George "Shorty" Comins, age 80, of 342 Otsego St., Ilion, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica. He was born on May 7, 1926 in E. Frankfort, NY, the son of Theodore and Mabel (Conkling) Comins, and graduated from Ilion High School in 1943. Shorty was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Navy. On September 4, 1948, he was married to Mary Smallwood at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion. He was the owner and operator of Shorty's Amoco, W. Main St., Ilion, from 1956 - 1962 and Shorty's Chevron, E. Main St., Ilion from 1962 - 1980. He was the sponsor and avid fan of the Shorty's Chevron slo-pitch softball team for many years. Shorty was a very active bowler in the Herkimer Major League. He was also the #1 fan of the Syracuse University Basketball Team. Survivors include his wife, Mary; three sons, and daughters-in-law, William and Josephine Comins of Sayville, LI, NY, Thomas and Mary Comins of Ilion, James and Regan Comins of Fairpoint, NY; two daughters and one son-in-law, Margaret and James Lehah of Jordan, NY, Kathleen Matthews of Stratton, Maine; 20 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; his sister, Alice of Ridgewood, NJ; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Ted. Funeral services will be held 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion and 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Anthony Barratt, Pastor. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 27, 2007, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Anyone needing a ride to the calling hours or services may call the funeral home at 895-7722 for complimentary transportation assistance. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Annunciation Memorial Fund. Special envelopes are available at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion.