George William Bishop

ROCHESTER – George William "Bud" Bishop, 91, of Rochester, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 13, 2020 after a period of declining health. Bud was born in Newburyport, MA on August 1, 1929, the son of William Thompson and Alice (Milner) Bishop.

Bud is survived by his three nephews, Alan W. Hayes and partner Patricia Conway of Eliot, ME, Kenneth B. Hayes and wife Judy of York, ME, and Barry W. Hayes and wife Susan of Kittery, ME as well as many cousins in the Newburyport area.  He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister, Winifred (Mrs. Walter C. Hayes).

Bud attended Newburyport schools. After his family moved to Kittery, ME he attended Traip Academy where he was a star athlete in football and cross country.  He graduated from Traip in 1947. As a 16 year old he competed in a marathon in Portland, ME.

As a young man Bud worked in his father's gas station in Newburyport. In 1948 he joined the US Army Air Force and was honorably discharged from the US Air Force.  From the first time he made roads for the gravy in his mashed potatoes, Bud's first love was construction. After his service he worked for various construction projects including  the Maine Turnpike and at Loring AFB.  He apprenticed as a machinist at the PSNY and later was a machinist at GE of Lynn, MA. For many years he was self-employed as GW Bishop Construction of Kittery. Bud was the Road Commissioner for Kittery at one time and ended his career working for the Pease International Tradeport and later Pike Construction in Portsmouth, NH.

Bud was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots and kept notebooks detailing their wins and losses.  He also enjoyed spending time with his fellow veterans drinking coffee, eating donuts and discussing politics.  Through his early middle age Bud was an accomplished downhill skier.

SERVICES: A graveside service with Military Honors by the US Air Force will be held on Friday, September 18, at the NH Veterans Cemetery at 10 am, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH 03303. Due to COVID-19 concerns, face masks will be required at the cemetery and social distancing is encouraged.  In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the VFW Post #7, 94 Eastern Ave, Rochester, NH 03867.