George H. Sydow

George Henry Sydow, 88 of E. Springfield, PA, died on Friday, April 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born March 24, 1937, a son to the late Paul and Letha (Stiffler) Sydow.

George grew up in Platea, PA, where he was part of the last class from the two-room Platea Schoolhouse before moving on to graduate from Albion High School. Over the years, George worked for several companies in various roles before his employment at Parker White Metal. In the early days of his career, he and his large family often enjoyed attending the company’s cookouts and parties. George devoted over 40 years to the company, which eventually became PHB Inc., retiring as a respected foreman after a job well done.

A true family man, George raised eight children with the love of his life and wife, Gelsa. Even after long days at work, he remained active, always finding tasks to accomplish around the home. His house was heated in part by a wood-burning stove, and he found great joy in cutting firewood, a labor of love that allowed him to care for his family, which was always his central focus. Handy with a wrench and screwdriver, George could fix almost anything, and he worked hard and saved diligently throughout his life.

From a young age, George had a love for animals, especially goats and dogs, including his current dog, Lilly. Friday nights in the fall were reserved for cheering on the Northwestern Wildcats on the football field. A lover of books, he was also an avid reader and kept his mind sharp by working through Sudoku puzzles. George was a passionate fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns.

In his retirement, he stayed close with his siblings and enjoyed taking long cruises to the mountains with his beloved wife. He found peace in watching nature in his backyard, where he and Gelsa fed the birds and deer. Though his days of hunting were behind him, his appreciation for the outdoors never faded. George was also an active member of West Springfield United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Brainard and a great-grandson, Jaden Campbell.

He will be greatly missed by his family which includes his wife, Gelsomina (Bartosek) Sydow whom he married on August 7, 1982; his children, Jeffrey Sydow (Kristi), Cindy Sydow-Webber, Randy Sydow, Darrin Sydow; step-children he helped raised, Chuck Bateman (Tammy), Jody Bateman (Debi), Kathleen Orr (John), Doug Bateman (Christine); brother, Wilbur Sydow (Karen); grandchildren, Stephen Webber, Deanne Webber-Campbell, Bradley Webber (Megan), Brandy Bowers, Carrie Nakhla (David), Amber Kilgore (Caleb), Caitlynn Turnbull (Bradley), Matthew Orr, Austin Bateman, Emily Bateman and Kaleigha; great-grandchildren, Destiny, Daisy, Nolan, Blake, Skylar, Molly, Braxton, Cailey; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Erie, 1645 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505 or to the Anna Shelter, 1555 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16511

Friends may call on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Edder Family Funeral Home LLC. 309 Main St. E. Girard; a Funeral Service will be held there the following day, Friday, at 10:00am. Burial will take place at Hope Cemetery in Cranesville.

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