Honorable George J. Pulver Jr.

The Honorable George J. Pulver, Jr. The Honorable George J. Pulver, Jr. age 71 years of Catskill , N.Y. passed away on August 27, 2015. He was born on November 3, 1943, in Saratoga Springs, New York, the son of the late George J. and Martha (Walsh) Pulver. Judge Pulver is survived by his wife and best friend of 47 years, Michele Bouchard Pulver, his children Joshua (Adele Abide), Elizabeth, and Alexandra (John Bassett), sisters Jean Hague and Madelyn Jennings and his four grandchildren Alexander, Olivia and Bennett Pulver and Jack Bassett. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport (B.S.) in 1966 and Albany Law School of Union University (J.D.) in 1969. He moved to Catskill in 1969, and was employed by the law firm of Fray, Bagley and Chadderdon (1969-1971), the law firm of Bagley, Chadderdon, Pulver and Stiefel (1972-1978), and was Senior Partner at the Law Firm of Pulver and Stiefel (1978-1995). He received the Martindale Hubbell highest rating by distinguished lawyers as to legal ability, faithful adherence to ethical standards and professional reliability and such rating was published in the preeminent National Bar Register. Judge Pulver was admitted to practice by The New York State Bar 1969, Federal District Court-Northern District 1969, Federal District Court Southern District 1969 and also The United States Supreme Court in 1972. He held public offices (Elected and Appointed) including Police Justice, Village of Catskill from 1970-1971, Assistant District Attorney from 1971-1972, Public Defender from 1972-1973, County Attorney from 1974-1995, Committee on Professional Standards, appointed by Appellate Division (3rd Department) 1992-1996, delegate to the Republican Judicial Convention for the 3rd Judicial District, 13 years, Voting Delegate for the State of New York to the 200th Anniversary of the Constitution of the United States, Hudson River Greenway Communities Council appointed by the Greene County Legislature from 1992-1996. Judge Pulver was a member of the Board of Trustees Emery A. Chase Memorial Law Library from October 1993-October 1995, appointed by The Honorable E. Leo Milonas. Judge Pulver was County, Family and Surrogate’s Court Judge from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2013. He was also acting Supreme Court Justice from April 2005 to December 2013. Judge Pulver also helped facilitate the recent renovation of the Greene County Courthouse. Judge Pulver’s associations included The Greene County Bar Association from 1969-present (holding the position of President from 1976-1977), The New York State Bar Association from 1969-present, American Bar Association from 1973-present, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association from 1974-1996, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America from 1974-1996, a member of The Greene County Historical Society, member of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, a member of the Elks, Greene County Magistrates Association, County Judges Association of the State of New York, Association of Family Court Judges of the State of New York and also the Surrogate’s Association of the State of New York. Judge Pulver was a former columnist for the Catskill Daily Mail, publishing “Scales of Justice” weekly. He was also profiled in Dorpfeld's 2014 book, "Legendary Locals of Greene County". As well as having a distinguished professional career, Judge Pulver was an accomplished golfer, including being a NYS Junior Champion. He excelled at downhill skiing and has run several marathons. He had a thirst for knowledge and adventure and was a tireless promoter of Catskill and Greene County. He co-founded the Kaaterskill Spring Rush and initiated local treasure hunts to draw visitors to the area, including “The Lost Treasure of Rip Van Winkle” and “Captain Kidd and the Missing Crown.” He helped to start the 4th of July Fireworks at the Catskill Point in the 1980’s and establish Leggio Park on Main Street in Catskill. He was a student of local history and had the highest respect for the American legal system. His involvement in the recent restoration of the Greene County Courthouse is a testimonial to his reverence for the justice system and his belief that the building is a symbolic anchor of the community, which must be preserved. He had a great passion for his family, his creative projects, news, politics, and travel. He was a captivating storyteller, photographer and beekeeper as well. One of his greatest pleasures was mowing the lawn while contemplating upcoming challenges, his place in the universe and planning for his next project. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross Street, Cairo, N.Y., 12413. Condolences may be made at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net. As per Judge Pulver’s wishes, private cremation services were held. The family will be receiving callers at a celebration of his life at their home at 40 Tanglewood Lane, Catskill, on Monday August 31, 3-6pm. The Greene County Bar Association will be holding a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Community Hospice, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, N.Y. 12414.

Honorable George J. Pulver Jr.

November 3, 1943 - August 27, 2015