George J. Kinsley of Clinton passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice on July 8. He was 81 years old. George leaves his beloved family: his wife Judith M. Kinsley; his daughter Stephanie Kinsley Patterson and her children Chelsea Buell Patterson and Christopher George Patterson; his son Jeffrey M. Kinsley and his wife Carol Kinsley; his daughter Martha K. Kinsley; and his sisters Mary K. Kalinowski and Nancy K. Barrett and their families. He was predeceased by his son Peter D. Kinsley and his parents James and Delia Kinsley.

George was a bright and thoughtful man; a true intellectual who enjoyed his work, family, and friends. He was a distinguished attorney on the shoreline with a keen interest in public service. He was a First Selectman of the town of Clinton, a former chairman of the Westbrook Housing Authority during the construction of Worthington Manor, and was instrumental in the founding of the Vista program to benefit his daughter Martha and other adults. That program has flourished and is now known as Vista Life Innovations in Westbrook. He loved sailing the waters of Long Island Sound and venturing off to Cape Cod and Block Island. He was an enthusiastic golfer and member of the Clinton Country Club. He was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. George accomplished much, and lived his life on his own terms to the fullest extent possible. He will be remembered always.

A celebration of George’s life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Essex. Those who wish to make memorial gifts in his memory may make a gift to Connecticut Hospice in Branford or to a charity or community organization. Share a fond memory with his family by sending a card to 81 Commerce St., Clinton, CT 06413. To sign the online guestbook, please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.