George Kuznezov

George “Doc” Kuznezov, was born to Mother Alexandra Kuznezov on May 24th 1946 in Eisenerz, Austria, and passed away December 20th 2009 in his home in Burdett, NY. George Kuznezov is survived by his wife of 31 years Diane Kuznezov; Children, Laila, Joshua (Audrey), Sasha, Katherine; Grandsons, Bailey, Jacob, Liam, Nicholas; And sister Mary (Rick). George was an academic scholar honored at the age of 13 to attend Harvard Universities School for gifted young children. George declined that opportunity while pursuing his gifts as a talented springboard and platform diver. George won the New England league diving championship 3 consecutive years, setting several state and national records. Both academic and athletic talents led to George’s opportunities to pursue both scholastic and athletic scholarships across the country. George eventually chose to attend Brown University on a full academic scholarship. George was drafted into Vietnam but was deferred as he was caring for his mother. Shortly after she passed George volunteered himself to his country to fight in Vietnam. George was a member of the 1st brigade 101st airborne division recon 2/502 battalion (1967-68), as a volunteer combat medic. The reference “Doc” was an honorary nickname given to him as his title of a combat medic in Vietnam. Many to this day including his recon team in Vietnam, as well as other veterans still refer to George as “Doc”. While in Vietnam George was a recipient of many awards and medals such as; the Purple Heart, Expert Rifle, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. George “Doc” Kuznezov will always be known to his family, friends, and country as a well respected, loved, and caring person. George found peace in his hobbies which included fly fishing, reading, writing, attending athletic events, and most of all spending time with his family. Many thanks to the Hospice of the Southern Tier for their loving care so generously given to George.

All are invited to a memorial service at 11 AM, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009 at the VFW building, 423 West St., Ithaca, NY. with Rev. James D. Depue officiating. Burial will be private, there are no calling hours at this time. Memorial gifts are to be directed to the Kuznezov family at P.O. Box 781, Burdett, NY 14818 Perkins Funeral Home assisted the family.

www.perkinsfunerlhome.com