Dr. George M Coulter 87, a prominent lifelong Pawling resident, died early Sunday morning May 15, 2016 at his home on 36 Coulter Avenue. He was predeceased by his parents, James Waldron and Ann Daniels Coulter.

Graduating from Pawling High School, he went on to Bard College and Columbia College of Dental Medicine, receiving his DDS degree in 1954. He then joined the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant in the Dental Corp.

Returning from the navy, he added an addition to the family home on Coulter Avenue where he established a dental practice, serving the people of Pawling until retiring in 1998. Dr. Coulter had a deep loyalty to the Pawling Savings Bank where his grandfather, George Daniels, had served as cashier when the bank was founded. George was appointed a director and later became Chairman of the Board, continuing in that role when the bank went public as Progressive Bank.

He was actively involved with the community, particularly Pawling Free Library where his mother had been one of its early leaders. Elected as President of the Board of Trustees, he spearheaded a drive to construct a new library building, replacing an existing antiquated second floor walk-up facility located over the firehouse. In 2010, the Library building was dedicated to George M. Coulter and his mother, Ann D. Coulter

He was a member of the Pawling Board of Education for twelve years, serving as board president for eight years during which he guided the school through planning and construction of a new High School building.

He was President and Treasurer of the Pawling Rural Cemetery, where he was still dedicating time and effort until his demise. Other civic responsibilities included the Holiday Hills YMCA board where he served as vice president and was once named their “Man of the Year”. He served as a director of the Pawling Community Foundation during their successful efforts to beautify the Village. Other interests included Bard College, Columbia University College of Dentistry, Akin Hall Association, American Legion Haler-Kamp Pot 215 and the Pawling Chamber of Commerce where he volunteered time at the Welcome Center.

Dr. Coulter is survived by four cousins, John Coulter of Rochester, NY, Dr. John Daniels of Nashua, NH, Ross Daniels of Pawling and Mary Jones of Southport, NC, Sally Dattoli of Edgewater, FL. Two other cousins, Lloyd Daniels and Gwyneth Berkeley, predeceased him. His loving dachshund, “Jesse”, also predeceased but his successor, “Albert” survives.

Contributions may be made in Dr. Coulter’s memory to the Pawling Free Library 11 Broad Street Pawling, NY 12564 or the Pawling Concert Series PO Box 163 Pawling, NY 12564

Funeral Services under the direction of Dwyer Funeral Home will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 22 Coulter Avenue 1:00pm Saturday May 21st with Rev. Thomas Orso officiating. Interment following at Pawling Rural Cemetery. Friends will be received from 5 to 8pm Friday at Dr. Coulter’s home at 36 Coulter Avenue. www.dwyerfuneralhome.com

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