Obituary of George W McPhee

George W. McPhee, a retired Assistant Treasurer at MA/COM, passed away at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, the beloved husband of the late Ruth Marie (Secord). George was 93 years old.

George was born in Somerville. He was one of six children born to the late Archibald & May McPhee.  George grew up in the Back Bay of Boston and was a graduate of the High School of Commerce in Boston.  He was always very athletic and was a member of the track team with sprinting being his specialty.  He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 18 during World War II.   George served his country from 1943 until his discharge in March of 1946.    He did his Naval training at Camp Peary in Virginia.  He was an Electrician’s Mate Third Class.  George was a member of the 129^th and 46^th Naval Construction Battalion, better known as SeaBees, which embodied efficiency, teamwork, and reliability, mixed with an ability to build almost anything.  He was also stationed at Naval Station 128 in Pearl Harbor.  George was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal.     

George and Ruth married in 1950 and moved to Burlington in 1957.  George worked at MA/COM for over 36 years retiring as an Assistant Treasurer.   He had a strong work ethic and worked hard to provide for his family.  It was not unusual for George to work over 70 hours a week and while doing this he went to school nights at Bentley University obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Accounting.

George was a hands-on Dad.   He coached basketball and was a referee.  He never missed one of his children’s events whether it was a dance recital, sporting, or school event.  George and Ruth raised their children in a wonderful neighborhood where everyone cared about each other.  He took pride in his home and loved to garden.    After his retirement George and Ruth spent their winters in Naples and Clearwater Florida. 

George had many interests throughout the years.  He was an avid Boston sports fan.  He enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics.  He was very excited to watch the Red Sox win the World Series.  George was a talented painter with acrylic and oil painting being his specialty.  He also belonged to a bowling league, basketball team, and enjoyed a good game of pool.   However, George’s greatest hobby was his grandchildren.  He doted on them, was a role model for them, and helped to babysit them.  George never missed a milestone in their lives.

 George was very well liked and respected by all those who knew him.  He will be remembered for his warm smile, wonderful sense of humor, and love of his family.  

 George was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Marie (Secord).  Loving father of Karen Noonan of Burlington, Susan Cronin & her husband Shane of Burlington and Nancy Anderson & her husband Bud of Bedford.  Proud grandfather of Lauren, James & Taylor Anderson; Kevin, Stephen & Liam Cronin and Nicole & Cameron Noonan.   Great grandfather of Teagan Ruth Anderson.  Brother of the late Gladys Morris, Albert McPhee, Ethel Anderson, William McPhee and Dawn Cobe.  Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt., 128/95 Woburn side) on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.  Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St.  Margaret Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m.  Burial to follow in Pine Haven Cemetery. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home on Friday from 4-8 p.m.  Memorials in George’s name may be made to The James Gang (Benefiting “Best Buddies”), 11 Gloria Circle, Burlington, MA 01803.