Growing up in Hartford's Little Italy neighborhood during the late 1950s and early 1960s, it was impossible not to be familiar with the Kinsella surname since their family seemed to be involved in every aspect of the city's politics. George Kinsella served as mayor of the city in the mid-1960s and though I was aware of him, I never imagined that 40 years later, "Hizzoner" would become a long-standing member of FOSA, one of our office's most ardent supporters and a loyal friend.

Sadly, George B. Kinsella died in December after 89 productive years of life, only a few months after his FOSA "dig partner" Dr. Henri "Hank" Coppes passed. The two were always together participating in our digs or attending annual meetings. I suppose in some ways it seems fitting that these two very devoted friends would pass away so close in time, inseparable in death as in life.

His friends and family called him "Pete," but we always referred to him as "George." He was born and bred in the City of Hartford, living there for 76 years and dedicating himself to serving the state's capital in many official municipal capacities. His grandfather, father and brother were all involved in city politics and George continued the family tradition first serving as a member of the City Council, elected Deputy Mayor, and finally Mayor in 1965 (when I was in high school). He was also the City Treasurer during the 1980s.

During his time in Hartford politics, George served on various committees overseeing the city's redevelopment and the establishment of a Civic Center to foster urban economic growth. He was a founding member and first President of The Hundred Club, a charitable organization that raises funds for widows and dependents of Hartford's police and firemen who died in the line of duty. All of this vast experience coupled with his fascination and love for archaeology found fruition in the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc. George joined FOSA soon after it was formed, bringing a business and political sense to the organization that helped us sustain our early growth and development.

George rarely spoke of his time as mayor when he was in the field and one would have never known about his distinguished and charitable background unless told by others. He seldom spoke about himself, but when he did discuss his personal life, it mostly pertained to family and friends.

Above all his accomplishments, George "Pete" Kinsella was first and foremost, a family man. Many were the times during field lunch that George would share stories about his large Irish clan, which included his devoted wife Linda, seven sons and daughters, 3 step-children, 21 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter, all of whom he adored and was so very proud of. It was evident to all that they brought him such great joy and happiness simply by the way his face glowed whenever he talked about his family.

I suppose FOSA records could calculate how many hours George and Hank volunteered for our organization, but it isn't necessary, the number is substantial. It is hard to remember a major project we worked on from the late 1990s to 2014 that the two of them had not given their time and energy toward. George's good humor and camaraderie are what we remember most.

You know, it's said that heaven has been around for a very long time. And, if that is the case, Paradise must contain archaeological sites! Hence, it is not hard to imagine George and Hank together again participating in digs, sharing the same unit, uncovering artifacts and features, screening each other's back dirt and laughing at some unpredictable find. We are grateful for the opportunity to have known and to have developed friendships with both of them and we remain indebted for all that they did on our behalf. George Kinsella and Hank Coppes will be greatly missed by our organization, especially by those honored to have worked with the "Mayor" and the "Doctor."