George M. Traber III

   If a book were written about George Traber’s life, it would be several chapters long with a common theme running from beginning to end – community service leader. It would contain page after page of accounts of Traber seeing a need in the life of someone less fortunate or envisioning a way to make their world a little bit better and doing something about it. Throughout the chapters, only the names of the people whose lives he helped improve would change. Traber, of Caledonia, was a community leader in every sense of the word. He touched the lives of many in Livingston County and beyond and single handedly motivated dozens of others here at home to do the same. 

   On July 22, 2008, he passed away at the age of 84 after declining health following a stroke and heart problems in the past year. He was born in Perry, NY and as a young man became president of his family-owned business, the Perry Knitting Mills. After the sale of the knitting mill in 1967, Traber joined the management team at Jones Chemicals, Inc. and remained there until his retirement several years ago. Traber’s 47-year old daughter, Marilyn, recalls that it was her father’s efforts during difficult economic times that kept the mill going for as long as it did and saved dozens of jobs. She says he carried that attitude of service to others into every avenue of his life.

   "I just remember thinking that if there was a charity, if there was somebody in need or if someone needed something done, they’d call my dad and he would say he’d take care of it," Marilyn commented of her father.

   Traber moved his family to Caledonia in 1969 and joined the Livingston County Industrial Development Agency in 1974, one year after its inception and has been a continuous member and tireless worker towards its mission ever since. He chaired the IDA from 1992 to 2007. Traber and former chairman Austin Morris headed all of the LCIDA functions during its first 14 years of un-staffed existence. In 1988 he spearheaded an effort to include economic development as a function of the LCIDA. LCIDA Executive Director, Patrick Rountree, calls Traber "one of the men from the greatest generation who put the needs of the community over himself." Rountree says Traber played a strong role in bringing American Rock Salt to Retsof, Livingston County in the midst of strong vocal opposition. The two men worked closely together over the years and Rountree describes him as the backbone of the organization. Not a typical chairman; he regularly attended training sessions and conferences.

   "For me, I knew I had the full confidence of the board of directors and the chairman; I knew that he stood behind me, " Rountree said.

   Traber was a founding organizer of the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce and served as their president from 1992 to 1993. His foresight led to the creation of positions for an executive director and tourism director at the chamber.

   Traber’s influence led the chamber to initiate the Distinguished Leadership Award, which he received in 1995. The plaque reads, "Leadership – the ability to motivate and direct people to achieve goals, solve problems and answer needs through personal actions and example."

   In 2007 the chamber created the George Traber Community Service Award to reflect his enormous contributions. Chamber President Cynthia Oswald told the County News that "Livingston County wouldn’t be where it is today without George Traber."

   One of Traber’s most significant contributions to the Livingston County community is his leadership role in founding the United Way of Livingston County. Karen Rumfola, regional director for the local United Way, said Traber was the United Way. She worked alongside of him for several years and says that Traber "Had a great impact on me and molded my character. It would be difficult to list all of the many things he did to make this a better place," Rumfola added.

   "He was so passionate about his work. I know in my lifetime I don’t think I will ever see a volunteer as passionate about his community as George. He was a leader. Once George was in control, everyone else followed," Rumfola fondly recalled.

   President and Chief Executive Officer of Nicholas Noyes Memorial Hospital and Vice Chair of UWLC, James Whissler, describes Traber as a man "who always looked out for those in need, those less priviledged, to ensure that they were getting the services that they needed. He was an example for all of us and I’m going to miss his mentoring and leadership."

   David Parish, executive director of the Northern Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross, a United Way agency, says he owes his job to Traber who vigorously worked to ensure that the local Red Cross had a professional executive director, in order to make it a better organization. Parish says Traber was always looking for better ways for the United Way to help the people of Livingston County. He credits Traber for the United Way’s success in Livingston County.

   "George Traber enjoyed being portrayed as a tough, but fair man. Yet, when it came to community needs, he was a softy who wanted anything and everything for the people." Traber chaired and was a United Way board member at the time of his death.

   A WWII veteran of the European theatre, Traber has been extremely active in veteran affairs, both locally with the Matthew Cleary Post 255 and at the county level. He was a past post commander, past Livingston County Commander, and current co-chair of the 7th district and chairman of the county oratorical contest.

   "He was our go-to guy, chairman for the Caledonia Memorial Day parade and co-chair for our Veterans’ Day dinner. From planting flowers and watering the lawn, to taking out the garbage, he always volunteered and was an amazing worker for a man of his years. He will be sadly missed," commented Mel Keenan, Matthew Cleary Post Commander.

   Traber was a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Buffalo for over 25 years, a 36-year member of the Cal-Mum Lions Club and had been a member of the New York State Economic Development Council for over 20 years. Since 1955 Traber served on the Executive Board of the Iroquois Trail Council (formerly Genesee Council) of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a recipient of Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award, the Council’s highest award.

   He is survived by his wife, Beth and adult children Daniel Traber and Marilyn (Rob) Myers; sister-in-law, Verna Lee Traber; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his daughter, Beth Ann; brothers, John and Bill Traber.

   Friends called Sunday, July 27, 2008, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 W. Main Street, Caledonia where his Funeral Service was held Monday at 11 AM. Private military interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Perry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Matthew Cleary Post Veteran's Memorial or the United Way.