George Forester McNicol, Jr. born March 13, 1918 in Irvington NJ to parents George F. McNicol (Glasgow, Scotland) and Mary Lezgus (Newark, NJ). He resided in Edison, NJ for 54 years, while married to Alice Dorothy Yarema and raising daughters Donna and Sandra. Alice predeceased George after 21years and he never remarried. He had a core group of friends from the Edison Seniors group and the Community Presbyterian church who loved and supported him even after he left Edison. He moved to ‘The Barracks’, affectionately coined, at Centerbridge II in Bridgewater NJ until his nursing home placement in 2019. George entered the US Navy to serve in World War II. He was a Boiler Tender on the Bronson 668 Fletcher Class Destroyer, in the South China Sea for 18 mos. During this time, his ship and crew were responsible for rescuing pilot and late-president George H.W Bush Sr after being shot down. The crew also survived a typhoon that struck the fleet in full force. When telling this story, he marveled at the size of the waves and how the ship behaved during the storm. He was honorably discharged in October 1945. He worked as a Machinist with DME Corporation, Hillside, NJ until his retirement. George was an avid bowler well into his late 80’s often winning awards for high games, enjoying the camaraderie and just having fun. Music was an important part of his life favoring the Big Band Era. He taught himself to play harmonica entertaining us on holidays and car rides. He was a fan of the NY Mets and especially during Miracle Mets season. Alice would keep tally on the game plays reporting back when he came home from work. After retiring he continued to work part time as a Handyman for many of the Edison Seniors. He loved to paint a room while listening to the radio. He volunteered at JFK Medical Center in Edison for many years. He was a beloved member of VFW Post 2636, Iselin, NJ in the positions of Chaplin and Surgeon. He marched in Memorial and Veteran’s Day parades throughout New Jersey as a member of the color guard. He was recognized by the Somerset Basilone Committee for his service at 101 years. His friend and fellow sailor Ron Buckman arranged for George to contribute his World War II Oral History Interview for the Center for U.S. War Veterans Oral Histories (njmilitiamuseum.org). George loved people and befriended many. He was quick with a joke, pleasant, and always held dear his time with family and friends. He had special bond with Evan and Lindsay. He is survived by two daughters, Sandra McNicol and her husband Michael Schlachtun of Frenchtown, NJ and Donna Cox of Toms River, NJ. Survivors also include grandchildren Evan Cox of Littleton, CO and Lindsay Cox of Baltimore, Maryland, Niece and Goddaughter Beverley Wilson and her husband Richard Hecht of Metuchen, NJ, great nephews Brian and Tyler Wilson, great-great nephews Dylan and Ryan Wilson, Nephew Robert McNicol of Florida, and Niece Nancy Sarter of West Virginia. and many, many friends. Brothers, Wilber, Hugh, Robert McNicol and sister Marie Refstrup, all deceased. Family and friends may gather from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. on Friday, December 10th in the Chapel at Franklin Memorial Park, 1800 Route 27, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. Funeral service will begin at 10:30 A.M. Burial service will follow at Franklin Memorial Park.