Obituary: George Smith Combes

January 17, 1946 – May 18, 2026

May 26, 2026

George Smith Combes, 80, of Waterbury, Vermont, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his children, after a long battle with spinocerebellar ataxia on May 18, 2026. George was born on January 17, 1946, in Rockville Centre, New York. He was the son of Lewis and Gladys Combes and one of four children.

George attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, as a Civil Engineering major, graduating in 1968. He completed a tour in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970. Afterward, he continued to serve as a member of the Vermont National Guard, retiring after 34 years of total service as a lieutenant colonel.

On August 26, 1967, he married Linda West of Woodstock, Vermont. Together they built a home in Waterbury and raised two children, Mark and Jessica. George worked for the State of Vermont Department of Transportation from 1970 to 2004 (as superintendent of the Central Garage from 1981 to retirement).

George and Linda loved to travel, experiencing many trips throughout the U.S. and on cruises throughout the Caribbean and Alaska. They also enjoyed camping, towing a camper to various destinations across New England. George was predeceased by Linda in 2008. After her passing, George continued to travel, either with friends or alone, on cruises. The last cruise he took was the one he and Linda wanted to do the most to the Panama Canal. George also enjoyed woodworking, creating many shelves, desks, and toy boxes for his family.

George was a devoted grandfather to Ella, Wren, Jack and Michael. When his grandchildren were young, he was proud to call himself “Grampie Daycare,” spending hours outside in all kinds of weather as his grandchildren played outside. His grandchildren were his joy. As his health and mobility declined, just sitting with them was enough to bring him happiness.

George also was predeceased by his parents and his sister Ruth Gardener of Florida. He is survived by his sister Ellen Bell and her husband Robert, of South Carolina; his twin sister Grace Lichetenwald, also of South Carolina; his son, Mark Combes, and his wife Jackie and their children, Wren and Michael, of Morrisonville, New York; and his daughter, Jessica Sherman, her husband Josh and their children Ella and Jack, of Moretown, Vermont. He was a beloved uncle to many, known as “favorite Uncle George.”

George asked not to have any formal calling hours or services. Those who knew him know that he did not like being the center of attention. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks you to donate to the Waterbury Ambulance Service or Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.