Obituary of George A. Payne

October 5, 1929 – September 13, 2024 George A. Payne passed away peacefully, in his sleep, at his home on September 13, 2024. He was 94, just 22 days shy of his 95th birthday. He was with, and is survived by his wife of 70 years, Aliene Harter Payne. George was born to Irma Wheatley Payne and George H. Payne, in Clifton Springs, NY, on October 5, 1929. He was raised in Chapin NY above the family's general store, coal yard, gas station and post office. He attended Canandaigua Academy where he met his future wife. George and Aliene were married in 1954 after George graduated from Alfred State College and served in Japan in the US Army during the Korean War. George and Aliene lived in Shortsville for 44 years. They raised their 3 children there. George was quietly "always there" at his children's concerts, sporting events, college graduations, grandchildren's weddings, graduations, Bar and Bat Mitzvah's and other everyday events. George was, at one time, active in the Hopewell Fire Department, eventually serving as its President. He was a 70+ year member of The Ontario County Fair Association, where he served as President for 30 years. George was an original member of Troop 29 of the Boy Scouts of America in Canandaigua. He served as an adult leader from 1970 to 2022, rising at one point to the highest volunteer position in the Finger Lakes Council, Council Commissioner. He received Scouting's highest award for an adult volunteer, The Silver Beaver. In later life, he became an active member of the Red Jacket Rotary Club of Shortsville. This organization and its members became the center of his social life. He avidly attended meetings and volunteer events. He received numerous Paul Harris Awards, given by Rotary "for substantial contributions". George started his first trucking business after his Army service, hauling milk from farmers to dairies. He grew that business, serving farmers and later other industries until 1968 when he purchased Canandaigua Express. He operated the truck line until it was sold and closed in 1978. Shortly thereafter, he purchased the NAPA Store in Shortsville and operated it for 45 years. He sold the store 4 months before his passing. At various times he owned NAPA stores in Canandaigua and Naples. He was fortunate to have many long-time, loyal employees who allowed him to work actively through his 94th year. George A. Payne is survived by his wife of 70 years, Aliene Harter Payne and his children, Roger (Lisa Rogovin Payne) of Leawood, KS, Leslie of Canandaigua, NY and Patricia of Irondequoit, NY, his grandchildren, Jordan Payne Hay (Colin), Ross Payne, Taylor Payne (Dennis Cornwell), Jessica Cropo (Ralph) and great grandchildren, Griffin and Tenley Hay, and R.J. and Jake Cropo. George was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Cathryn Troyer Payne, and his parents. George A. Payne's life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Carriage Barn at the Ontario County Fair Grounds at 12:00 noon. A private family burial will take place at Pioneer Cemetery in Shortsville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make contributions, as you are able, to the Red Jacket Rotary Club in Shortsville, or the George A. Payne Scholarship Program c/o The Ontario County Fair Society. Ontario County Fair PO Box 324 Canandaigua NY 14424 Red Jacket Rotary Club PO Box 101 Manchester NY 14504 Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 291, Shortsville, NY 14548. To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com.