Bonita Springs - Dr. George Traicoff, 91, retired President of North Shore Community College, died peacefully on Sunday, May 28, in Bonita Springs, Florida. George leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Diane Schneider whom he married during Christmas break while teaching at Northern Michigan University of Marquette. He also leaves his son G. Scott Traicoff and his wife Nancy, daughters Paula Jane and Amy Jo Traicoff; and as Boppa to his four grandchildren, Emily Brown and her husband Scott, Nicholas G, Alexander S, and Samuel F Traicoff; in addition to five great-grandchildren Brody, Grady, Colby, and twins Lily and Caly Brown. Born May 16, 1932 in Elyria, Ohio he was the son of George and Lena Traicoff, and was predeceased by his brother Daniel Traicoff and sister Olga Jeancola, and is survived by his sister Sophie Traicoff.
Next to his love and dedication for family, George had a lifelong passion for education graduating from Miami of Ohio, Kent State, and Indiana State University. He so strongly believed in the endless possibilities an education could offer for the betterment of students he worked with over his years as both a teacher and administrator. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, his career spanned as teacher, professor, dean, and culminated in 1973 to him being named President of North Shore Community College, a job he loved deeply for 26 years until his retirement in 1999. He embraced his role as President to champion education for everyone, regardless of economic limitations, and worked tirelessly to provide schedules and courses to accommodate and support working families. George always believed in the empowerment of education to open doors of future opportunity. The colleges size and outreach grew exponentially throughout his storied tenure, growing from its humble one building facility in Beverly, to major campuses in both Danvers and Lynn that now offer over 80 degrees to approximately 10,000 students a year.
George was the consummate gentleman, a gifted listener, and a valued friend and colleague to many. He had many passions and hobbies including golf, reading, and fishing, but his favorite pastime may have been his overflowing and abundant garden. He spent countless hours tending and nurturing his vegetables and flowers and shared generously the fruits of his labor. George cultivated so many seeds throughout his amazing life; his light and love will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the North Shore Community College Foundation, Inc. for the George Traicoff Presidential Scholarship, a permanently restricted fund at 1 Ferncroft Road, PO Box 3340, Danvers MA 01923 or at https://bit.ly/NSCCScholarships