Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on February 8, 1952, George H. Wilton Jr. was the oldest of eight children born to Elizabeth and George H. Wilton Sr. After moving to Staten Island, New York, with his parents, he attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Richmondtown and graduated from New Dorp High School. George enjoyed Scrabble, softball, camping, fishing, golfing, and the New York Mets.

Before entering the FDNY, George was a dedicated volunteer member of Richmond Engine Co. #1 and volunteered for many years alongside his father, four brothers, and the family Dalmatian, “Smokey.” This began his journey to become a New York City firefighter.

George was first assigned in 1977 to Engine 24 in Manhattan. In 1979, he transferred to Ladder 172 in Brooklyn. George transferred to Ladder 84 in Huguenot (OZ) in 1989. After 25 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2002 due to a 9/11-related illness.

On 9/11/2001, George was on duty. He responded to the World Trade Center and fought fires in many buildings around the site. He volunteered for many days in the recovery and removal of fellow firefighters and citizens. He lost his battle to cancer on March 5, 2021, but he is still our hero.

George loved the job, the brotherhood, and the friends he made for life. We miss him dearly.