George Waldo Emerson III

George Waldo Emerson, III, died unexpectedly on January 3, 2022, at Newport Hospital, after a series of medical issues converged into a crisis. George was a loving son, doting uncle, tolerant and amusing brother, and a kind friend. Generosity was his forte; he loved giving presents, time, money, sympathy, and understanding to all. He is survived by his sister, Mary Emerson of Newport, RI, and his niece, Story Wiggins, of Oakland CA, as well as, numerous cousins.

He matriculated from Exeter Academy and the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) where he majored in American Studies. His interest in history and literature continued throughout his life. 

As a young man, George was a bartender at The Black Pearl here in Newport, RI, starting the year of the first Tall Ships. He went on to manage a bar in Hartford, CT during his marriage to Kathy Winseck. Later he was in sales in southern New England, before returning to Newport where he worked at the Newport Chamber of Commerce. Eventually, he bought the Walrus and the Carpenter, a toy store in Middletown, which he ran for many years. In late middle age, he and his sister cared together for their beloved mother, Stuey Emerson. 

Since retiring, George has been a very active volunteer at the Friends of Newport Public Library where he served as treasurer for the last 5 years, and also worked in its fundraising bookstore. 

But his primary enthusiasm over the last decade was the Martin Luther King Center. He started out in the breakfast program, getting up at 5:30 two days a week, to cook and serve food. Over time he got involved in their lunch programs, fundraising activities, food pantry, and more. He served on the Capital Gains Committee, and was appreciated by his fellow volunteers and the staff. Everybody enjoyed his humor and reliability as well as his gifts of Portuguese pastries whenever he made the soup run to Fall River, and even the occasional case of French wine. In 2018 he was named the MLK's Volunteer of the Year.

He will be buried in the family graveyard in Danvers, MA, after a "goodbye cocktail party" to be held when it's warm enough to be outside. Look for it in Newport This Week, come summertime. 

George will be missed by family, friends, and fellow volunteers. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his honor may be made to The Friends of the Newport Public Library and/or the Martin Luther King Center.

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