Dr. George R. West, Jr., born September 27, 1925, in Englewood, New Jersey, was the son of George R. West, Sr. and Ruth Brown West. A lifelong resident of Englewood, he became a widely recognized and respected member of the community whose life reflected service, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to family and local progress.

As a student at Dwight Morrow High School, George distinguished himself as an athlete and competitor. He was a member of the Maroon Raiders track team and earned recognition for his strength and determination. In 1943, he helped lead the team to victory in the Interscholastic League Championship, an achievement noted in local newspaper coverage at the time. His dedication to athletics reflected the perseverance that would later define his professional life.

George also developed a lifelong love of horses. His father managed the Fort Lee Riding Academy, where George learned to ride at a young age. Riding became an everyday part of his life, and family members often recalled stories of him traveling around town on his pony, Kinchita, including trips to and from school.

After graduating from high school, George enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he attended New York University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. He later reenlisted and served during the Korean War. After completing his military service, he pursued dentistry at Howard University, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1955.

Upon returning to Englewood, Dr. West established a dental practice and quickly became known throughout the community as “Doc.” In partnership with attorney Arnold Brown, he helped construct a commercial building on West Palisade Avenue that would become an important professional hub in the city. Dr. West maintained his dental office in the building, while Arnold Brown operated his law practice there. The building also housed the real estate office of John T. Spruill, reflecting its role as a center of Black professional enterprise in Englewood.

The building later gained additional historical significance through its connection to the music industry. Before establishing Sugar Hill Studios on West Street, music entrepreneur Sylvia Robinson operated her first recording studio within the West Palisade building. This early studio work contributed to the foundation of what would later become Sugar Hill Records, a pioneering force in hip-hop music.

Dr. West’s personal life reflected his dedication to family. In 1952, he married Audrey Mendinghall, and together they welcomed his first child, Eric. In 1961, he married Annette Seal and embraced her three children—Claire, Toni, and Frank—as part of his family. Together they welcomed a son, George West III, completing their household.

As his professional life stabilized, Dr. West devoted increasing time to his lifelong passion for horses. He relocated his family to Closter, New Jersey, where he maintained a stable on his property. There, he boarded, trained, and showed horses, achieving success and personal satisfaction through his equestrian pursuits.

In addition to his equestrian interests, Dr. West was an enthusiastic golfer. He spent countless hours on local courses and participated in tournaments throughout the region. His outgoing personality and lively presence earned him the nickname “Mighty Mouth” among friends and fellow golfers.

Dr. George R. West, Jr. is remembered as a veteran, entrepreneur, and respected professional whose contributions extended beyond dentistry to community development and cultural history. His role in establishing a professional building on West Palisade Avenue helped create opportunities for Black professionals and later connected to the early history of the recording industry in Englewood. He is survived by his children George West III (Raquel), Eric West, Claire Moran, Pearl Street, and Frank West (Katie), as well as eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Natalie and Dorothy.