NEWARK - George Martin Birney, beloved son of David T. Birney Sr. & Hazel Birney of Newark, Delaware passed away on Nov. 9, 2011. Born in Wilmington, Delaware on Dec. 24, 1953, George lived in Newark, Del. throughout his life and graduated from Christiana High School. He enjoyed working with people and helping as a health care aide at The Delaware State Hospital and Churchman's Village Nursing Home. He also worked at First Card Bank in Wilmington. He spent many years assisting with the various ministries of Salem United Methodist Church in Newark, Del.. He was excited that he recently started working on a degree for social work with the University of Phoenix through the Apollo program. George will be remembered as a gentle, caring spirit with a warm sense of humor. He was a man of faith with a deep love for family and his church community. George was an avid reader and history buff. He loved animals of every kind but was never without a canine companion – most notably were his beloved terrier, Lady, and his big basset hound, Queenie. In addition to his parents, George is survived by his son, Timothy Havens Birney of Olden, Florida; and his brothers and sisters, Jane E Kobetich of Abilene, Kansas; David T. Birney Jr. of Wilmington; Mildred E Gamborg-Nielsen of Newark, John P. Birney Sr. and wife Beth of Hartly, Susan M. Mills of Newark, Frank D. Birney and wife, Tracy of Newark, Christian Wailes of Elkton, Maryland; as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. George was predeceased by both his maternal & paternal grandparents; and his brothers-in-law, Edward J Kobetich and Lars Gamborg-Nielsen. Services will be held 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 15th, 2011 at Salem United Methodist Church, 469 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19702, where friends may call at 10:00 a.m.. Interment will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE 19977 to help defray funeral costs. To send a condolence, visit www.matthewsbryson.com. Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.