Obituary: George E. Kingston, 95, WWII Veteran, Civic Leader

George E. Kingston, 95, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the RI Veterans Home in Bristol RI.

He was born in Milford, New Hampshire on May 17, 1920, son of John W. and Annie (Toomey) Kingston. The family moved to Pawtucket, RI where George grew up. He graduated from Pawtucket High School in 1938. In 1940, he moved to Newport and was hired as an apprentice carpenter at the Torpedo Station on Goat Island.

In 1944, George enlisted in the Army and served during WWII in the 284th Combat Engineers. Years later, George was the host to over 20 reunions in Newport for his brothers in arms.

After the war, George returned to the Torpedo Station as a Planner & Estimator and retired after 39 years. Then he began to serve his community in an active and generous way.

George was instrumental in starting the Newport Ski Club and the Rogers High School Boosters Club. He was a member of the Idle Hour Club, lifelong member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and President of the Edward King House. George was also the Treasurer of the Navy League. He spent time as a Little League and Babe Ruth Coach, and during this time, George was the leading force for the establishment of a Little League playing field at Braga Park.

George was a proud and active member of the Newport Lions Club, where he served as President and Treasurer. He also served as RI Lions District 42 Zone Chairman.

He was an AARP tax coordinator for the elderly and poor and state coordinator which encompassed over 180 sites in Rhode Island.

George hosted several Shimoda, Japan teens during several Black Ships festivals. He also hosted Babe Ruth players from Sanford, Maine.

George's generous community service did not go unrecognized. He received the Newport Daily News Community Service Award, and Mayor Donnelly proclaimed George Kingston Day in Newport to honor his exemplary work.

George was married to the late Helen Pilcher. They had three children; daughter, Sandra Randall (David) of Bluffington, SC, daughter, Beverly Schulte (Walter) of Huntington Beach, CA, and son William Kingston of Ledyard, CT. He is also survived by grandchildren Gregory Humble, Leah Tischler, Barry Schulte, Cristan Nichols, Andrew Schulte, and four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

George leaves behind his devoted companion of 32 years, Alice R. Coffey.

He will be greatly missed by the community where he touched so many lives.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 from 3-6 pm in the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport, RI. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at St. Augustin’s Church, Carroll Avenue, Newport at 10 am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George Kingston's name to the Newport Lions Club, PO Box 695, Newport, RI 02840.

For more information and online condolences, please visit www.oneillhayes.com.