George Andrew Chilcote

George Andrew Chilcote, born on March 30, 1927, died gracefully after a too long bout of declining health, suffering from complications of Parkinson’s disease on April 30, 2020 at the age of 93, despite his struggle, George’s life ended with dignity. George was one of the most important officers of Buckeye Partners, LLP in modern times. He joined Buckeye in 1953 as a surveyor after initial employment with a Pittsburgh-based natural gas company. He was part of Buckeye’s immense effort building the Eastern Products System. After that, George proceeded to participate during his time in every project Buckeye undertook. He became and defined himself as chief engineer. After the EPS he went on to play a leading role in building the Long Island System, one of the most spectacular projects ever accomplished by the pipeline industry. As he climbed Buckeye’s management ladder to Senior Vice President, George became recognized as the industry’s leading technical executive based on unsurpassed savvy, experience and innovative thinking. He and Don Merriman, another engineer and President and Chief Operating Officer, became inseparable partners in managing Buckeye’s physical being. Theirs was a partnership that never failed to succeed. It was a sad day for Buckeye when George and Don retired in 1987. Those who knew and worked with George found him to be a man for all occasions. He surpassed being a gifted engineer. He was immensely inquisitive and willing to challenge his own judgment. He was opinionated, but fair. He was inordinately correct in his judgments, but willing to admit a mistake. As a senior executive, he applied his tenacity to broader management issues. In doing so, he always considered the employee’s perspective. George saw employees as the real heroes in Buckeye’s success. George applied his professional talents in his personal life. He supported many family interests among his five children. Not surprisingly, George was the most trusted outdoorsman in the woods. His greatest love was wilderness canoe tripping. He participated in innumerable trips as camp master and navigator with his children and friends. After retirement, George moved to Centre County, Pennsylvania. The home he built there served as a grand residence, hunting camp and base for innovation in residential construction. George never stopped thinking, doing and serving his family. George was an inspiration to all, and his life will be forever remembered. He was a dedicated father and a friend. George is survived by his wife, Alice and children, Joseph Chilcote, Stephen Chilcote, Robert Chilcote, Amy Chilcote and Melissa Chilcote, 9 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren. Services will be private