George W. Hallock, Jr.

George William Hallock Jr., 78, of Russell, A US Navy Veteran and tireless advocate for veterans in this region died away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2025. Born on June 28, 1947 in Waterbury, Conn., he graduated from Southwick High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Myles C. Fox (DD 829) from 1966 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. After his active-duty service in the Navy, he worked for many years at the Westfield River Paper Company and for the state of Massachusetts at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield and various armories.  He was a proud member and past commander of the American Legion Post 356 in Blandford. In 2014, he created the annual Hot Rods for Heroes benefit car show to raise money for veterans, scholarships, and various local charities. Whether camping, hunting, or fishing, he enjoyed spending time outdoors or working in his garage doing small engine repairs. He loved riding motorcycles, attending cruise nights, car shows, listening to oldies, and hosting gatherings with his family, friends, and neighbors. Dedicated to helping those in need, he was the first to offer help and always prioritized others before himself. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, love for animals, kind spirit, and great generosity. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith A. (Ekmalian) Hallock; daughter Melissa Hallock and her significant other, Chris Carpenter; sister Jennie Hannah; sister-in-law Katherine Ekmalian; brother-in-law Edward Ekmailan and his wife, Regina Ekmalian; cousins Gregory Chaconas, who was like a brother and his wife Janet and Charles Chaconas and his wife Kathleen; uncle David Edgerly and many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. George was predeceased by his parents, George W. Hallock Sr. and Estelle (Chaconas) Hallock, sisters Helen Cressotti and Dorothea, uncle Michael Chaconas and his wife, Fanny, uncles Edward Hallock and Avrileo Chaconas, Aunt Marjorie Edgerly and his brother-in-law and best friend, Lawrence P. Ekmalian.  Calling hours will be held on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home at 76 Broad St., Westfield, followed by a service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Classic cars driven in the procession would be appreciated in his honor. In memory of George, donations may be made to the Tunnel for Towers Foundation or the Westfield Homeless Cat Project. www.firtionadams.com

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