George C. Wortley, American soldier and politician (b. 1926)

George Cornelius Wortley (December 8, 1926 – January 21, 2014) was a prominent American figure who seamlessly blended careers as a successful banker and a dedicated public servant. A Republican, he notably served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing New York for two terms. His tenure in Congress was marked by significant contributions to financial policy and elder care legislation, reflecting his diverse professional background and commitment to public welfare.

Early Life, Education, and Entrepreneurial Roots

Born in Syracuse, New York, George C. Wortley's foundations were laid in his home state. He pursued higher education at Syracuse University, graduating in 1948. During his time at the university, he was an active member of the Gamma-Iota chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, fostering leadership and community ties. Before embarking on his congressional journey, Wortley established himself as a shrewd businessman. He served as President of the Manlius Publishing Corporation, a substantial enterprise responsible for publishing seven weekly newspapers across Upstate New York. This role not only showcased his entrepreneurial spirit but also provided him with deep insights into local communities and public affairs. He continued to hold this position until the company's sale in 1992, demonstrating a sustained commitment to his business ventures even during his period of government service.

Wortley's expertise in the financial sector was also well-recognized long before his legislative career. He was a valued member of the Advisory Board of the Bank of New York for five years, and later continued his service with its successor, Norstar Bank. This extensive background in banking and media provided him with a unique perspective that would prove invaluable in his later political roles.

A Distinguished Congressional Career (1981-1989)

George C. Wortley's commitment to public service led him to the national stage. He was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1980, commencing his term on January 3, 1981. He served with distinction for four terms, having been successfully reelected three times, including a notable victory in 1986 against challenger Rosemary S. Pooler. His eight years in Congress solidified his reputation as an influential legislator, particularly in economic and social policy.

Key Legislative Contributions and Committee Leadership

During his time in the House, Wortley held several influential positions, leveraging his financial acumen and dedication to public policy:

• House Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs Committee: Wortley served as a leading minority member on this critical committee. This role placed him at the forefront of shaping national policy concerning banking, financial markets, housing, and urban development. His insights were crucial in debates surrounding economic stability and growth.
• International Financial Diplomacy: Demonstrating a global perspective, Wortley was actively involved in working with leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim on complex financial and development bank matters. This engagement underscored his understanding of interconnected global economies and the role of international financial institutions in fostering development and stability.
• House Ethics Committee: His service on the House Ethics Committee highlighted his commitment to maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the legislative body.
• Select Aging Committee: Wortley also contributed significantly to issues affecting senior citizens as a member of the Select Aging Committee, showcasing his dedication to improving the lives of an important demographic.

Pioneering Reverse Mortgages for Seniors

One of George C. Wortley's most enduring legislative achievements was his instrumental role in the development and passage of legislation that enacted the first program to provide reverse mortgages to seniors. This groundbreaking initiative, a testament to his foresight and compassion, allowed older homeowners to convert a portion of their home equity into tax-free income without having to sell their homes or make monthly mortgage payments. This program provided a crucial financial lifeline for many seniors, offering enhanced financial security and the ability to age in place, directly addressing a critical need within the elderly population. This innovation remains a vital tool for retirement planning in the United States.

Post-Congressional Endeavors and Continued Public Service

After concluding his service in Congress on January 3, 1989, George C. Wortley continued to apply his extensive knowledge and experience in various influential capacities. He transitioned into roles that leveraged his insights into public policy, finance, and government affairs:

• He served as a Director of Dierman, Wortley & Zola, Inc. (DWZ).
• He was a Director for Morgan Casner Associates, a firm specializing in political and public affairs consulting.
• He also held a directorship at Washington Solutions, providing expert consultation on public policy and financial strategies.
• Wortley's commitment to national security was evident through his service on the Advisory Board of National Security Studies, a U.S. Department of Defense Executive Development program.
• Furthermore, he acted as a Senior Policy Advisor with The Carmen Group and the Financial Institutions Services Corp. (FISC), continuing to shape policy discussions from a private sector perspective.

Beyond his formal advisory roles, Wortley's life was characterized by broad civic engagement. He served on numerous civic, state, and national boards and foundations, including the board of Project ACTA and Kings Point's Government Affairs Council. His extensive business and congressional responsibilities provided him with a truly global perspective, taking him to 35 nations worldwide.

Military Service

Before his distinguished careers in business and politics, George C. Wortley honorably served his country during World War II. He was a member of both the Merchant Marine Reserve and the United States Naval Reserve. His service included arduous sea duty across significant theaters of operation, including the North Atlantic, Pacific, and Philippine theaters, contributing to the vital war effort and ensuring the safe passage of supplies and troops.

Passing and Legacy

George Cornelius Wortley passed away at a hospice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 21, 2014, at the age of 87. His remains were laid to rest at the historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, a final resting place for many distinguished members of the U.S. Congress. Wortley's legacy endures through his significant legislative contributions, particularly in the realm of financial policy and his pioneering work on reverse mortgages, which continues to impact the financial well-being of seniors across the nation. His career exemplifies a lifelong commitment to service, whether through his entrepreneurial endeavors, his military contributions, or his impactful tenure in the United States Congress.

Frequently Asked Questions About George C. Wortley

What was George C. Wortley's most notable legislative achievement?

George C. Wortley was instrumental in developing and passing the legislation that established the first program to provide reverse mortgages to seniors. This program allowed homeowners to convert home equity into income without selling their homes, significantly impacting elder financial security.

Which key committees did George C. Wortley serve on in the U.S. House of Representatives?

During his time in Congress, Wortley served as a leading minority member on the House Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs Committee. He also served on the House Ethics Committee and the Select Aging Committee, reflecting his broad legislative interests.

What was George C. Wortley's professional background before entering politics?

Prior to his congressional service, George C. Wortley had a significant career as a banker and a media executive. He served as President of the Manlius Publishing Corporation, which published seven weekly newspapers, and was also a member of the Advisory Board for the Bank of New York and its successor, Norstar Bank.

Where is George C. Wortley buried?

George C. Wortley is buried at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., a historic burial ground for many past and present members of the U.S. Congress.