George Birner

George Birner was born during a snowstorm in East Hampton, CT on November 18, 1925 and passed away quietly during another snowstorm at the Vermont Veterans home in Bennington, VT on February 4, 2022, where he was a resident since September 2019. He was the son of the late Michael Birner and Helen (Loos) Birner. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Mildred “Bunny” (Nevin) Birner, his sister, Helen (Birner) Windhom, his brother Michael Birner and his daughter-in-law Patty (Wright) Birner. George served his country in the US Army in WWII. He was in the Battle of the Bulge at Remagen capturing the Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine River. He was discharged as a marksman and was a decorated WWII Veteran. When George returned from the war he went back to the auto dealership where he worked before he was inducted into the Army. He attended GM Hydramatic Transmission school and In 1957 he left the dealership to start his own auto repair business, George's Service Center on Newfield Street in Middletown, CT. As his business grew, he relocated to Middlefield Street in Middletown and eventually to Birners Garage, in Higganum. George was very proud of being self-employed and the reputation he had built over the years. George was one of the earliest members of the Belltown Car Club in East Hampton, CT. He was honored at the clubs 50th Annual Car Show for hard work and dedication to the club and its success. He was also a member of the Now and Then Car Club in Brattleboro, VT. Because of his experience and knowledge of older automobiles, he had many customers with antique automobiles. In the 1960’s he converted a city bus into a motor-home and named it "the Enchanted Cottage". He would drive it to Hammonasset State Park and his family would camp there during the summer. George, his wife Bunny and some of their friends would drive to New York City to dine and dance the night away. Other times, they would invite their friends over for a night of playing cards and listening to big band music on the stereo. They also enjoyed participating in 10 pin bowling leagues with their friends. Once he bowled 298 and received a recognition plaque from the beer company sponsoring the bowling league. George was a hunter and fisherman. While at the Vermont Veterans Home he showed off his marksmanship by putting all his shots in the bullseye. He also entertained the staff by putting on his dancing shoes and dancing in the halls with some of the staff. George is survived by his sister, Greta (Birner) O’Connell of Old Saybrook CT, two sons, George F. Birner of Greenville, NH, Paul M. Birner of Vernon, VT and daughter Susan Beauchamp and her husband of Shelby, NC; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. George’s inurnment and presentation of military honors will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Monday September 25th at 9 AM. Donations can be made in George’s name to The Vermont Veterans Home, 325 North Street, Bennington, VT 05201, Attention Steven McClafferty, Financial Director.