John Bligh
- Retired teacher and Si Beagle instructor
George Fishman combined the skills he developed teaching language arts to middle school students for 35 years with his skill as a stained-glass craftsman to become a teacher again at the union’s Si Beagle Learning Center in Brooklyn after his retirement in 2008.
George was preparing for the new session of educational programs for retired members at Si Beagle when he died of a sudden heart attack on Feb. 14, 2020. He was 72.
He taught at JHS 302 in Brooklyn, where he also served as a teacher trainer and staff developer.
His wife Laura spoke of his love of the outdoors, of kayaking and sailing in Jamaica Bay with the National Park Service and of biking and taking long nature walks.
George grew up in Far Rockaway, graduated from Rockaway HS and loved the beach.
Laura Fishman also noted the “new creative energy” of his retirement years. “He was happy to combine teaching with the patience and skill of a talented craftsperson,” she said.
Si Beagle Brooklyn Coordinators Evelyn Dorell and Eureka Oliver welcomed George’s talent as well as his friendliness and willingness to help out in all the center’s activities. Most of his class work centered on stained-glass window displays, but the two coordinators also noted the “one-of-a-kind” jewelry pieces that he sold at local craft fairs and flea markets.
George’s stained-glass supplies and equipment have been donated to the Si Beagle Learning Center.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Emily Fishman and a brother, Edward Dinep.
Condolences can be sent to laurafishman18@gmail.com.
