DRESDEN -- George G. Sidelinger, 84, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta, after a short illness.

He was born Nov. 23, 1922, in Wollaston, Mass., a son of Roy and Margaret (Chandler) Sidelinger.

At the age of 14, George knew that, when he grew up, he wanted to get married, have children and own a small dairy farm.

He was a 1941 graduate of the Norfolk City Agricultural School in Walpole, Mass. (known as "the Aggie"). He next went to Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts for two years, studying practical agriculture, graduating in 1943.

After working during the day at a local farm, dad would ride his bike to Amherst Center where the big houses were, mowing lawns and weeding gardens until dark. On the way home one night he met our mother, Charlotte, and her twin brother, Paul, who were going to an Odd Fellows Hall dance, and our mother invited dad.

Dad said he was tired but would think about it. He left the two of them and was peddling faster, got home, changed and went back to the Odd Fellows Hall and found our mother. They danced and then took a walk. He put his arm around her. Mom thought he was pretty fast. Shortly after that, he said he had to go, and left. Mom thought she would never see him again.

They were married on June 20, 1943, in Wollaston, and were married for 62 years. She passed away on Oct. 17, 2005. She was the love of his life.

George served in the Army from May 1944 through November 1946. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

In June 1950, George and Charlotte bought a small dairy farm in Dresden, later named it Velvet Acres and raised three children, fulfilling his childhood dream.

He also ran his own rubbish route and for more than 20 years was a night watchman for the state of Maine, retiring in 1986. From 1983 through 1996, he was building inspector and code enforcement officer for the town of Dresden.

George enjoyed spending time at home with Charlotte and had many hobbies, which included collecting miniature cars, photographing big rig trucks, model railroading, John Deere tractors and Model-A Fords.

He is survived by three children, Ken Sidelinger and companion Vicky Mastantuono, of Michigan, Jean Genthner and husband, Ted, of Velvet Acres, Dresden, and Peter Sidelinger and wife, Mary, of Pennsylvania; his brother, John "Jack" Sidelinger of Arizona; eight grandchildren, Vincent Sidelinger and wife, Rhonda, of Lewiston, Craig Dorr and wife, Sandy, of Augusta, Joanna Black and husband, Toby, of Auburn, Jeromy Sidelinger and wife, Jennifer, of New Hampton, N.H., Jeffrey Sidelinger of Webster, N.Y., Shannon Fleming and husband, Ryan, of Portland, and Amanda and Daniel Sidelinger of Michigan. George also is survived by seven great-grandchildren, a niece, two nephews and cousins.

He will also be missed by his devoted cat, Missy.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Chang, Healey, Magioncalda and Scharf, and the nursing staff of MaineGeneral in Augusta and HealthReach Hospice, for their care and compassion during our father's illness.

At George's request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Friends are invited to share remembrances with the family from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at Velvet Acres.

Arrangements are in the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond.