On July 13, 2015, George Conneman, age 84, died at Hospicare, Ithaca, NY. George will be missed by many, but he left a legacy and touched many lives in his different roles at Cornell University, in the Ithaca community, at church and within his family. He was born in New York City, the son of George and Gertrude Conneman. He was predeceased by his first wife, Francie, daughter, Karlie Vanek, his parents and sister, Gloria Reed...After spending his early life on Long Island, George came to Cornell University to earn a B.S. in animal science and farm business management. He served as a radio technician with the United States Army Signal Corp in Germany, returned to Cornell to do research and earn a M.S. George went to Penn State for his Ph.D. A lifelong learner, he continued his education with sabbaticals as a Research Economist with the Canadian Department of Agriculture, a consultant for Farm Credit and a teacher at Virginia Tech. George was appointed a professor in "Ag Economics", now the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, a position for which he was recognized as an outstanding teacher. He received many awards such as the State University of New York Chancellor's Award. He taught over 3000 graduate and undergraduate students in business management and farm appraisal courses, the stories from which he later told in his book, "General Miscellaneous, and All Other". The book is a reminder of his humor and ability to point, pause, and smile as he skillfully engaged his audience. It was a lifelong connection with the Dyson School, where as an Emeritus Professor, he enjoyed returning for coffee and chats with colleagues until just recently. George served as the Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for 11 years, where he oversaw admissions, registrations, student services and career development. He developed and implemented the CALS Innovative Teaching Workshop and the Teaching Assistant Training Program. George also supported Cornell through committee work, such as the Academic Review and Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education, and served as Treasurer of the CALS Alumni Association for 17 years. He could also be seen frequently cheering on Cornell sports teams, and had seats for Cornell Hockey from its beginnings in Lynah Rink to his death. In addition to his on-campus teaching, George worked with Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators and farm families on management and intergenerational transfer issues across the state. George was appointed Faculty Director of FarmNet and FarmLink, which employs consultants to help farm families. He was proud to secure stable funding for the program and to serve as a consultant after his retirement in 2000. In recognition of his impact in the farm community, both through Cornell and his outside activities, George was awarded the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Citation of the New York State Agriculture Society. George's touch also reached into the Ithaca community, who benefitted from his service on the Bolton Point Water Commission (Chairman for 10 years), and the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and Transportation Committee. Beyond his lifelong work, he enjoyed gardening, international travel, 5 star restaurants, afternoon tea, and time with his family...

Published in Ithaca Journal on July 15, 2015