George G. Moross, 70, of Windsor Drive in Scotia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 28, 2010.

Born in New York City on January 31, 1940, George was the only child of the late George and Lubov Moross. Raised in a household that was always full of gifted Russian musicians, artists and actors, George was surrounded and schooled in the arts from a very young age.  At the age of three, he played a small piano recital for Sergei Rachmaninoff and continued his musical studies with a number of well-known instructors who nurtured and fostered his artistic talents. 

Torn between studying music at Juilliard or a career in physics, George turned to the practical,  pursuing his love of science at Union College and completing his studies at the State University at Albany with a masters degree in Physics in 1967.  Although music may not have been his vocation, it was his passion and he followed it fiercely.  After joining The Octavo Singers in the late 1960's, George was named its conductor and musical director in 1970.  George shepherded the group into an artistic era that expanded the group’s scope, size and repertoire and has made the group into one of the region’s most respected musical treasures.  Over his tenure with The Octavos, George conducted more than 150 concerts, developed a children's choir, coached and mentored numerous soloists and kept the art form of choral music on the forefront of the local arts scene. Not limiting himself to choral music, George guest conducted the Albany Symphony, several concerts with the Schenectady Symphony as well as numerous music festivals across the region.  A gifted classical organist, George also worked at many local churches as music and choir director over the past 50 years.  Working as a Systems Supervisor, Diagnostic Engineer and various research projects, George never fully retired, acting as an engineering consultant for various national firms until his death.

George married the late Joan Elizabeth Mundy of Schenectady, NY in 1961 and had two children.  Later, in 1986 George married Luana B. Eisenhower of Scotia and raised two additional young sons. Survived by his devoted wife of 23 years, Luana B. Moross, George also leaves behind his son Matthew G. Moross of Schenectady, daughter Natalie M. Eisenhower of Westford, MA, stepsons Matthew A. Eisenhower of New York, NY, Michael J. Eisenhower of Westford, MA and grandson Andrew N. Merrill of Westford, MA in addition to myriad friends and artistic colleagues throughout the region and country.

Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., East Glenville from 3 to 6 pm on Sunday August 1.  A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Monday August 2 at the First Presbyterian Church, 115 Union St., in Schenectady's historical Stockade section, with Rev. Dennis Meyer officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George’s memory to the Thomas Corner 's Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Scotia,  NY.