George W. “Slick George” Quackenbush, 75 of Bath/Hornell, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving daughters and long-time companion, on April 12th, 2026, at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, NY after years of declining health and a brief battle with kidney cancer.
Born in Hornell on February 28, 1951 he was the son of the late Joseph and Eleanor (Saylor) Quackenbush. Aside from his parents, he was also predeceased by one sister, Susan Ray, in 2018, and his best-friend Steve France, in 2000.
He resided in Hornell during his childhood and younger years, later making a home in Bath and Avoca. He attended St Ann’s School in Hornell, and proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy (USS Columbus) from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971. He often spoke of his time and service in the Navy and had many stories to tell!
He was employed by the former Conrail Railroad as a “Gandy dancer” (rail man), until an injury deemed him disabled in the early 1980’s. He enjoyed countryside rides, story-telling, traveling, history, westerns, shooting pool and darts. He will always be fondly remembered for his deep passion for his beloved Buffalo Bills! He was well known for being a fantastic athlete in his younger years, participating in track & field, football, and baseball. He was part of a band in his teenage years. He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar while entertaining his family, friends and neighbors. Always eager to help others, offer advice, or lend an ear or a shoulder when needed, he was generous and kind. His smile and sense of humor were contagious. Even when he was not feeling his best, he still found a way to make those around him laugh.
He is survived by his 2 loving daughters, Amy (Randall) Quackenbush-Clark of Hornell, Kristen (Kevin Wilkins) Quackenbush of Hornell. Grandchildren, Jadon Quackenbush of Cape Coral, FL, Gianna Clark of Hornell, Thomas (Sarah) Clark of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and James Wilkins of Hornell. Additionally, he is survived by his long-time companion, Karen Flaitz, of Bath, NY, former wife and mother of his children, Kathryn Muhleisen (Noble) of Hornell, 2 brothers; Pat (Ann) Quackenbush of Hornell, Ed (Monica Morris) Quackenbush of Nunda, 3 sisters, Mary Bossard of Arkport, Fran Martin of Peoria, AZ, and Ellie (Tom) Morey of Arkport, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the kind staff at Arnot Ogden ICU for all of their care and compassion in his final days and moments, as well as his caregivers at the Cohocton Valley Home in Avoca, where he resided for some time over the years.
There will be no calling hours. Relative and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday (April 18, 2026). Private interment, with military honors, will take place Monday (April 20, 2026) at Bath National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a charity of the donor’s choice, or to the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) at kidneycancer.org .
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist George’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of George are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
