George Butman Dowley of Skaneateles, N.Y., died Jan. 7 peacefully at his home. He was 93.

He born in Worcester on Jan. 12, 1917. He attended Deerfield Academy and graduated from Amherst College in 1940. He served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II as a first lieutenant. He married Marion Horne of North Plainfield, N.J., on Sept. 7, 1940. They were happily married for 70 years.

He was associated with Wells and Coverly throughout his business career, serving as president from 1952 until its closing in 1993. He served as a director of the Merchants Bank and the Onondaga Savings Bank, and was a member of the Syracuse parking authority and city planning commission. He served on the boards of the Pebble Hill School, the Community General Hospital, Community Foundation, Community General Hospital, United Way and YMCA. He was a member of the Century Club of Syracuse and the Skaneateles Country Club.

Pidge, as he was known to his friends and family, was the grandson of George B. Dowley, who came to the Vineyard from Boston in 1900 and bought a house on the East Chop bluff that still remains in the family. George B. Dowley senior was one of the cofounders of the East Chop Tennis Club in 1910. He was also one of the founders and first president of the East Chop Beach Club in 1931. His son, Leroy L. Dowley, with his wife, Marion, built a house on the beach on East Chop Drive in 1935 that still remains in the family. It was there that their three children, Pidge, Robert and Katherine, spent all their summers. Pidge and Bob Dowley founded the East Chop Yacht Club in the late 1930s. Pidge’s sister in law, Lal Dowley, the widow of Robert C. Dowley, continues to live on East Chop year-round.

An avid sailor, he cruised extensively in the Caribbean and most enjoyed the time spent cruising in Maine waters. His happiest summers were the 32 years spent in their cottage on Holmes Cove near the town of Cutler, Me.

George is survived by his wife, his four children and their spouses, Peter and Susan of Aiken, S.C., David and Carol of Roque Bluffs, Me., Luke of Stowe, Vt., and Susan Merill and her husband, Hank, of Hope, Me. There are also seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours and a family memorial service will be held in Maine at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Skaneateles Library, 49 East Genesee street, Skaneateles, NY 13152.