Obituary of George H. Outerbridge

George Harrison Outerbridge, of Burlington, formerly of Billerica, a decorated retired Billerica Police officer, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, April 3, 2025. He was 87 years old.

George was born in Boston. His father, Harrison George Outerbridge, was a native of Bermuda who immigrated to the United States and married Mary McGahan. George was an only child, and the family lived in Charlestown until he was 12 years old. Summers were spent visiting family and friends who vacationed on Nutting Lake in Billerica. Eventually, the family made the bold decision to move to Billerica, where George graduated from Billerica High School. He then enlisted in the Army, serving three years of active duty before continuing for another three years in the Army National Guard. He was fortunate to spend a portion of his tour of duty in Naples, Italy. Over the years, George furthered his education, earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Lowell.

George joined the Billerica Police Department in 1966 as an intermittent officer and became a full-time patrolman the following year. He took immense pride in serving his community. His imposing stature made him a man to be reckoned with, and he never hesitated when faced with dangerous situations or combative individuals. At the same time, he had an incredibly kind and sensitive heart. Some of the disturbing events he witnessed and experienced as an officer lingered with him throughout his life.

During his career, George received two decorations for heroism. The first was for jumping into the Concord River to save one of two children who had fallen through the ice. He was grateful to have saved one of the boys but devastated that, despite repeated attempts in the frigid water, he could not save the other. The second heroic act occurred during a plane crash off the Middlesex Turnpike. George and a fellow officer were the first on the scene and managed to evacuate one individual from the plane and another who had been thrown from it, moments before the plane burst into flames. These acts exemplified how George lived his life—putting others first, no matter the cost or danger to himself.

He retired after 26 years of service on the Billerica Police force. George was extremely proud of his service to the community, the friendships he formed with fellow officers, and the satisfaction of knowing he made a difference in people's lives. He was also proud to see his son, David, follow in his footsteps and become a member of the Burlington Police Department.

George was an incredibly hard worker and a strong provider for his family. He never turned down overtime or extra details so that he could give his children the luxuries he had gone without as a child. In 1973, he purchased land in Burlington and began the construction of his home. He also oversaw the building of his home in Newfield, Maine, and owned a cottage in Wakefield, NH, on the shores of Ivanhoe Lake as well. These were special places where his children created wonderful memories. George loved animals and always had a dog. He enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and both fresh and saltwater fishing. An avid hunter and skilled marksman.   George was a regular at local spots like the Belly Buster Diner and the Emerald Rose Restaurant in Billerica.

George was something of an enigma. People will remember his Irish wit, which could be fiery, dry, and unabashed, always bringing a smile to their faces. To the outside world, he appeared as a burly, tough, and rugged individual. But those who truly knew him saw a man with a huge heart—someone who, despite his exterior, was a bit of a softy who genuinely cared for others. Family was everything to George, and he was always there to help a family member, friend, or neighbor in any way he could.

George led a wonderful life. He served his country, his community, and, most importantly, his family. He will be lovingly remembered and never forgotten.

George was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine F. (Jones) Outerbridge.  He was also blessed to find the love and companionship of Patricia Howlett, who made his last fifteen years so special.  He was the loving father of David Outerbridge & his wife Melissa of Burlington, Cheryl Janes of Burlington, Tracy Gober & her husband Terence of Griffin, GA, Daniel Outerbridge & his spouse Carlos of Bay Canoe, GA, Christine Gentry of Pensacola, FL, and the late Ronald Lynch, Jr.  He was the proud and fun “Grampy” to Alysse Janes, Alex Janes, Brenna Tedesco-McNeil & her husband Sam, Halle Outerbridge, Tyler Outerbridge, Ronald Lynch, III, Kyle Howlett, Julian Rose, Tara Whitesides, Terese Waltman, Eric Bowles, and Ginney Gentry.  Patricia’s children Stefanie Howlett, and Kevin Howlett also had a special place in George’s heart. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Sunday April 6 from 3-6 p.m.  There will be a police walk through at 2:40 p.m.  Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Monday, April 7 at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Theresa’s Church in Saint Matthew the Evangelist Parish, 466 Boston Rd, Billerica at 10 a.m.  Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.  Memorials in George’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or the Make a Wish Foundation, www.wish.org/massri, 133 Federal Street, 2^nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110.