George C. Singfield Jr., who counseled people with developmental disabilities, dies at 96

George C. Singfield Jr. loved helping people, and he was good at it, his family said.

"He was that guy everybody looked to — an amazing, giving and committed man," said Singfield's nephew Martin McDonald, of upstate Peekskill. "He was respected by so many people professionally and personally, and his legacy will be his commitment to serving others, especially adults and children."

The Huntington Station resident died of natural causes on April 12 at age 96.

Singfield was born on Sept. 6, 1928, in Augusta, Georgia. His family moved to upstate Ossining, where he attended Ossining High School, playing football, boxing and running track. Singfield left high school to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and achieved the rank of sergeant.

After his military service, Singfield graduated from high school and from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a bachelor of arts degree. He did graduate studies at New York University, City College in Manhattan, Teachers College at Columbia University, Stony Brook University and other programs offering clinical training.

Singfield accepted a teaching position at the Berman School (now the Woodward Children’s Center) in Freeport, where he became principal of the elementary and middle school special education programs. In the 1960s Singfield became active with what is now known as ACLD — Adults & Children with Learning & Developmental Disabilities — where he counseled, attended New York State Special Education PTA meetings and advocated for various schools and parent groups across Long Island.

In 1983, Singfield was hired as an education consultant at ACLD, for which he had served two terms as president of the Professional Advisory Board. Scott Bradshaw, the associate director of the Center for Learning at ACLD, said he knew Singfield for 30 years.

"He was always willing to be a support, a resource and a mentor to those around him. He was a rising tide lifting all boats around him," said Bradshaw, of Levittown. "George was valued for his vast knowledge in the field, especially his expertise in the education of children with disabilities. It's not possible to measure how great George’s impact was unless you speak to all of the people he touched during his many decades at ACLD."

As a mentor and leader, the "continual pursuit of knowledge and improvement" was very important to Singfield, Bradshaw said.

Anne Marie Sime, the chief program officer of ACLD, who met Singfield in 1997, agreed.

"George was truly larger than life. He was easy to talk to and became both a mentor and a friend, constantly encouraging me to reach my goals and offering valuable advice," said Sime, of Bethpage.

Singfield played an integral role at ACLD as an educational consultant, working with people receiving services, their families and staff members. According to Sime, Singfield's "therapeutic and philosophical approach was calming and reassuring to everyone he encountered."

Among the numerous awards Singfield received was the ACLD Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

According to McDonald, Singfield loved to write, was an avid reader and enjoyed photography, jazz and spending time with family and friends. He also loved sports, especially the Yankees and the Knicks, and was a fan of Muhammad Ali.

"His family is incredibly proud of his legacy and commitment to serve in any capacity throughout his life," McDonald said.

"He shared thoughts of his final wishes with close family and friends. In doing so, he said, 'I hope I made a difference,' " Bradshaw said. "To my colleague, mentor and friend, I say George, you made more of an impact than you could ever know."

According to Sime, Singfield's legacy can be found in the lives he touched "through his words, his wisdom and his unwavering compassion."

"George didn’t just offer advice — he offered belief. Through his guidance, many found the courage to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges and achieve goals they once thought impossible," Sime said. "His mission was one of kindness, of lifting others, and of building a community rooted in empathy and encouragement. It is now up to us to carry that mission forward."

In addition to McDonald, Singfield is survived by his brother, Robert F. Singfield Sr.; niece, Karen L. Copeland and nephews, Robert F. Singfield Jr., Zolly L. McDonald, Peter Kofi McDonald and Robert J. McDonald. A memorial service will be held on May 17 from 2 to 4 p.m., at A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home in Huntington Station.