George J. Meehan
October 23, 1935 ~ January 3, 2022
George J. Meehan, 86, died peacefully on January 3, 2022 at the Rosewood Nursing Center in Peabody following a lengthy illness. He was the loving husband of Cynthia (Hawkes) Meehan, with whom he shared sixty-three years of marriage.
Born in Orange, NJ on October 23, 1935, he was the son of the late Christopher and Winifred (Angus) Meehan. He was raised and educated in New Jersey and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono and later earned a master’s degree from Salem State College.
George served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960.
A longtime elementary school teacher, he began his career in the Reading Public Schools and then was a teacher and assistant principal in Danvers until the time of his retirement.
He was a founding member of the Danvers Alarm List Company in 1974, reenacting the role of Captain Samuel Flint. He was also a dedicated volunteer at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead.
A music lover, George belonged to the Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus and to several quartets.
He was a longtime member of Holy Trinity United Methodist Church and a member of the Amity Mosaic Lodge A.F. & A.M.
In addition to his wife, he leaves three children, Dawn-Marie Wetherbee and her husband Douglas of Danvers, Melissa Silver and her husband Chris of Maine, and Glenn Meehan of California, four grandchildren, Rebecca Snow and her husband Jeffrey, Ryan Hawkes Wetherbee, Samantha Silver and her wife Sara, and Erin Silver, four great-grandchildren, Grace, Brayden, Ben, and Anna, his brother-in-law, Glenn Hawkes and his wife Erika, three nephews, Elijah, Jesse, and Cyuba, a niece, Vanessa, and many dear friends.
George’s family is grateful to the staff of the Rosewood Nursing Center for the compassionate care shown to George during his illness.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11AM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday from 4-7PM in the funeral home. Facial coverings are required in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to the Danvers Alarm List Company, 149 Pine St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share an expression of sympathy with George’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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I had George for 3rd and 4th grade math at the Thorpe School, but what I most remember learning from him was a sense of patriotism grounded in service. He proudly brandished a newspaper showing soldiers celebrating the end of the first Gulf War, and he told us how he topped up his income tax payments because “I’d rather have Uncle Sam owe me money than for me to owe Uncle Sam money.” It was a kind of patriotism that is neither left nor right and is sadly out of fashion these days– a George Meehan patriot supports the troops *and* pays taxes without complaint.
I also remember him playing records of a man crooning the multiplication tables. They were incredibly corny, and he would tell us that one day we would remember having a crazy teacher who played these records, though by then we would have forgotten who he was. On that last point, uncharacteristically, he was wrong. May his memory be a blessing.
George was a great guy, a helluva bass and sang with the Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus and quartet, Chordially Yours for many years.
He will be sadly missed….
I got to know George when I became a member of the Danvers Alarm List Company. Soon afterward I discovered that I had coworkers who had been students of Mr. Meehan’s and I always heard the same comment from each one and that was ” Mr Meehan was the best teacher that I ever had and he made school so interesting.” George was the Captain in our reenactment militia company, but he was considered a General by his students in the field of education.
My sincere condolences to his loving family and Rest in Peace Captain Meehan.
I remember him from my days at Tapley Shool in grades 4-6. He was always kind and made an impression of what it was like to be a “good adult”
I had Mr.Meehan in 4th grade at Thorpe school. Many many years ago. He was a great man. My condolences for the family.
Dawn-Marie and family,
I am sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please accept my condolences. I wish all the Meehan’s peace and happy memories.
Laurie Curtis
George and Cynthia came to our rescue when my boys’ father passed at a very young age. George was a surrogate grandfather to them. He was so kind, loved them unconditionally and shared his humor and live of history with them. It is with great joy that we remember George and how lucky we all were to have him in our lives. He will be missed.
The Collins’
I am sorry for your loss- He was an amazing and tender and good- a great Dad and husband and teacher- Cynthia and George were the best couple. Dawn was always a peach. Love you all!
a giant void in our family RIP George
I worked with George at Thorpe School .Such a gentleman always. Devoted to family and his students.
Best to Cynthia and his family.
Judy Monahan
He was the best sport, always doing whatever we teachers could think of having him do.He did anything for the enjoyment of the staff and the children. I remember him jumping off the roof of the old Smith School into a net held by Danvers firefighters, floating down a brook on a raft made of plastic milk containers and singing Peanut Butter and Jelly in a kindergarten play. George was one of a kind, seeing the good in people, loving his family and his job – he will be missed. Sending love to his family. Cate
So sorry to hear of Georges passing. He was always happy to see you and willing to lend a helping hand. Our sympathies to you all.
Ron & Roberta McElwain
George was good person ever to meet and great bus driver ever and he always knows how to understand hi students and ever his bus students. He knows to put a smile on my face when I get sad he was there for me and before I drove to go home I will talking to him and he would give me a hug and good talk. God please do watch over him for everyone.
There was never a kinder or more caring gentleman than George. For so many years he was the heart and soul of the Alarm List Company and gave so much of his knowledge and time to the Rebecca Nurse Homestead. Beyond those contributions, he was a friend, first and foremost, who was beloved by those who knew him best. We were all privileged to have had George in our lives and his legacy will be in all those he inspired.
Such beautiful family memories
“Good afternoon George” 🙂 Cynthia would tell me I would say this every time I saw him when I was little. Being babysat at their home I probably spent more afternoons in their home than my own. Kind and caring family, thank you for the many happy memories. Rest in happiness George and Good afternoon <3
My deepest sympathy to the whole family.. I am sorry I am unable to attend the visitation and service. Your are in my thoughts and prayers. Such a wonderful person!
George was at Thorpe School for both my childrens time there. I can only say great things about George and his interactions with the children there. I also recall when he coached a small boys baseball team . . . and there was one boy who was obviously not experienced in baseball, but never the less wanted to play – George made a point of having some one close to him to help him know where to throw the ball – George was awesome.
Great man. Great teacher. I mourn his passing. He was a great mentor in my love of history. I hope to bring my sons into the Danvers Alarm List Company very soon.
My condolences.
Dan Donovan
Great math teacher and Principal who set a great example for all his students. He was fair and very well respected. He will be missed.
So sorry to learn of George’s passing he was such a loving kind man, got to know George while I worked at Rosewood in activities dept. he was always ready with a big smile and a helping hand. His family was a testament to his loving kind ways. With my deepest sympathy Denise carye
Great teacher. Unfortunately, I do not remember all my teachers, but I do remember, Mr Meehan!
Wonderful, kind and gentle
So sorry for the loss of a great person
Annie Beaulieu