Obituary of George Pataki

George Pataki was born in Timisoara, Romania on November 23,1929 and passed in Queens, NY from cardiopulmonary illness at the age of 84. George had a lifelong passion for both travel and technology, and founded a long standing amateur radio club in Timisoara before immigrating to the United States with his wife Eva in 1965. He had a 20 year career as a broadcast engineer for CBS television and retired early to pursue his love of international travel. George was extremely active in the ham radio community for six decades and visited other ham radio operators in many countries and continents. He was a prolific author and published dozens of articles in both Romanian and English language magazines about his travels. He was a strong advocate for the right to free access to amateur radio communication. Even after he became a U.S. citizen, he worked with Senator Barry Goldwater (also an amateur radio operator) to pass legislation that allowed immigrants without citizenship to obtain amateur radio licenses. He continued to support free access and information for radio communications internationally all of his life. George had a great sense of humor and his writings always included jokes and anecdotes. He became quite fond of joking about being the "other George Pataki." The former New York governor with the same name also had an amateur radio license, causing much confusion. However, the many writings and photographs by "our" George can found by searching under his familiar radio call sign, WB2AQC. George once wrote: "I've heard of people who went to see the other side of the moon; I don't believe that going to see the other side of our globe is such an extravagant adventure, one just has to dare it." George lived a full and distinctive life, and will be long remembered by his family and community. He is survived by his wife Eva and his two children, Diane and Thomas. In lieu of flowers a donation to the American Radio Relay League or Amnesty International would be appreciated. .