Our promise to support first responders and their families during times of need comes from a deeply personal place.
Pictured above, left to right: Uncle Ray, Uncle Joe, their mother Marcella, Uncle Bob, and John Sr.
Founder's Note:
"Everyone has a father, but not everyone has five.
My two brothers and I grew up in rural Upstate NY, in the 60s and 70s. We had two loving parents. My Dad was a police officer in our small town. A friendly and well-respected figure in our community.
When I was 11, my Dad went to work one day and didn't come back. He passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning and left behind us 3 young boys and our Mom. I don't think I'll ever forget the pain of losing my Dad. My 3 uncles - his brothers - did their best to fill in as father figures for us boys. They taught us everything they knew and loved us like their own. I'll tell you more about them in the section below.
My Mom found love again and would go on to spend the rest of her days with my Fifth Father. He is the grandfather to my children and is perhaps one of the kindest, gentlest, and wisest men I have ever known.
Life can be an adventure, if you let it be. Every twist and turn puts us onto a path that courage and sense of heritage enable us to experience. Over time we gain the vision to see the inter-connections. If we're lucky, we experience the best that can be alongside family and community."
- John George, Founder and Distiller
New York State Trooper
The Father, John Sr.
"He was a great dad and a great man loved and respected by many. My time with him was precious and there are nothing but fond memories.
The epitaph inscribed on his tombstone reads:
'Fair and Young Just Ready to live, Loving and Caring always willing to Give, Toiling daily to achieve only the best, Watching and caring for all of the Rest.'
He did and still does in so many ways."
US Army
The Outdoorsman, Uncle Joe
"The oldest brother and an expert woodsman, hunter and outdoorsman. I have fond memories of hunting and fishing with he and my cousins. For some reason I learned the art of improvising when and where needed. Everything can work and workout if you can keep the end in mind and use what you have. I hope to pass these lessons learned to my own children."
Firefighter & US Navy Medic
The Craftsman, Uncle Ray
"Uncle Ray sat us down and said he never could replace our Dad but that he would be there for us and he was. My introduction to firefighters was in the grand firehouse of Little Falls, NY where he worked. I spent many hours with Uncle Ray in my younger years learning a variety of crafts – carpentry, electrical, plumbing, design, auto repair. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or fix and I am appreciative of all his teachings and inspiration."
US Navy
The Businessman, Uncle Bob
"As a business man Uncle Bob took a risk in his early forties and built a Lumber and Building materials empire in upstate NY. He loved his brother and loved us as well. I have fond memories of working at the lumber yard between college years. When he passed I was in Tokyo on business. An elderly Japanese man and I payed our respects by tossing a bouquet into the bay that day. Risk taking is part of life and he gives me the courage to do so everyday."
My Fifth Father, John "Giovanni"
"Perhaps one of the kindest, gentlest, wisest men I have ever known. His generosity of heart and spirit, and love for mom and us helped us grow. He knows me well, and if you meet him he can tell you a thing or two about my brothers and I. It may or may not be true. What is absolutely true is that most folks have one father, I was blessed with five, who by virtue of having put up with me are, in my opinion, Saints.”
