Mr. George F. "Digger" Crimmins, Jr., age 69, a lifelong Little Falls resident, passed away on Thursday morning, August 26, 2004 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown after an illness. He was born on December 29, 1934, in Little Falls a son of the late George Crimmins and Elizabeth (Klimacek) Crimmins who resides in Herkimer. He graduated from Little Falls High School where he was a renown athelete and held many records in various sports. He was married to the former Margaret J. Ranch. He was later united in marriage with the former Janet Clark in Mohawk with whom he shared a union of 13 years filled with many wonderful and fun-filled times. A proud American Veteran, he served with the United States Navy. He enlisted January 26, 1954 and was honorably discharged on August 16, 1956. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His last professional employment was with Feldmeier of Little Falls. He served in this capacity with tremendous dedication and loyalty. His co-workers always looked up to him, always seeking his help and guidance. Prior to Feldmeier, he was supervisor at St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer overseeing the operation of the cemetery for over 20 years. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, a member of the Herkimer V.F.W., Michael S. Pliseck, Post #4915 and the Little Falls American Legion Post #31. Throughout the combination of his professional expertise and his personal relationships, George touched the lives of many. He could be counted on as the one to bring his loved ones and friends together for important events and special occasions. He was all about having a good time and making sure everyone else did too. Because of his outgoing nature, he truly has left a wonderful legacy for his family and friends to live by. However, the foremost concern of his life and his heart, as well as his greatest joy, was his family. He was a loving father and a proud and devoted grandfather. George found his deepest joy and most lasting satisfaction in his family life and always gave them, and anything he did in life 100%. George's loved ones that survive him include his wife, Janet at home; is mother Betty who resides in Herkimer; his children: Keith Crimmins and wife Julie of Adams; George Crimmins, III and wife Kathy of Big Flatts, NY; Beth Sheldon and husband Greg of Norwich, NY; Cathy Alexander and husband Allen of Houston, TX; Eileen Richard and husband Jamie of St. Johnsville; Trish Flynn and husband Jim of Syracuse; Diane Crimmins of Little Falls; Lynn Claus and husband Chad of Oppenheim; two step-children: Debra Sobolowski of Dolgeville and Rodney Giarrusso and wife Kelhi of Mohawk; a brother, Bruce Crimmins of Little Falls; his cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Dan, Megan, Laurie, Brian, Clare, Danielle, Sean, Josh, Alexandria, Nicholas, Nicole, Adam, Valarie, Brian, Shannon, Stacie, Thyamara, Adam and Erin; a great grandson: Ethan; two aunts: Margaret Prochazka and Rita Klimacek; many nieces, nephews and cousins; three in laws: Luke Clark of Herkimer, Johann Penney and husband Jim, and Carolyn Hall, all of Myrtle Beach, SC. Also surviving are many good friends. He was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Darling and a brother in law, Gary Darling. Vistitation at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, where the family will be present, will be held on Friday, August 27, 2004 (today) from 5-8 p.m. George's funeral will commence at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 28th from the chapel of the Enea Funeral Home, where prayer will be offered, and at 10 a.m. from Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Mark Cunningham, Sacramental Minister assisted by Sister Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director. Funeral procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. Full military honors will be offered by the United States Navy. Kindly consider contributions in his memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital; donations may be made at the funeral home. The family offers its deepest appreciation and its most sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, especially mentioning the outstanding staff of the Intensive Care Unit whom provided George and his family with comfort and excellent care. Thanks also to the many family members and friends who offered their support and encouragement. The Herkimer V.F.W. Michael S. Pliseck, Post #4915 will gather at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. the evening to conduct their service. Members of the Little Falls American Legion Post #31 will gather at 6:30 p.m. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.