1940 - 2017
Visitation
July 9, 20174 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
July 10, 201710A.M. DFH 11A.M. Church
St. John the Evangelist Church
Chelmsford, MA
George Patrick Munroe passed away at home surrounded by his family and friends after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on July 3, 2017.
Born in Boston, MA, on July 27, 1940, he was the son of Daniel Munroe and Mary Conolly Willard and step son of Harold Willard. George was married to his high school sweetheart, Carol Randell of Wilmington, MA, for 53 years. They lived in the house that he designed and they built in Dunstable, MA for 46 years.
George lived a full life. At Wilmington High School he was the quarterback of the football team, and after meeting his future wife, Carol, they both attended Salem State College where they both received their Bachelors in Education. After graduating, George and Carol married, then George went on to get his Masters at Framingham State College. George became a math teacher at Parker Middle School in Chelmsford, followed by over 30 years as a math and computer programming teacher at Acton Boxboro High School. He was one of the first educators to teach computer programming languages at the high school level. He brought a unique style to his teaching which made him a very cherished teacher among his students. In addition, George raised Christmas trees at the Munroe Christmas Tree farm in Dunstable, MA, providing loving holiday traditions of cutting your own trees for generations of local families for over 20 years. George loved traveling with his wife and family from camping trips to Maine, New Hampshire, and New York, to traveling to Ireland, Alaska, and Bermuda. He loved fishing which he shared with his children and granddaughters. In his free time, George also loved going on his boat The Aftermath, playing cards with friends, having a hot cup of coffee at any time of the day, telling jokes, storytelling, drawing, and being outdoors. A “social butterfly,” George made friends anywhere and everywhere he went, touching the lives of everyone he met. He was a provider of advice, a listening ear, a helping hand, a source of wisdom, as well as a good laugh to all.
He spent his life supporting his family and friends and is a Friend of Bill W. Widely known as Papa, he represented a loving grandfather figure to so many who looked up to him.
He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Carol, a loving father to his son, Chris Munroe and wife Cindy (Fitzpatrick) of Pepperell, MA and his daughter, Cathy and her husband Brian Cole of Tyngsborough, MA. He was a beloved “Papa” to his twin granddaughters – Danielle and Kaylee Morin of Tyngsborough, MA. In addition, he has step-granddaughters, Kristin and her husband Justin McKay, Michelle and her husband Shane Whittemore, Erin Lesniak, Lauren Cole, and Shannon Cole. He also has two step great grandchildren, Bentley Runions and Olivia McKay, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and dear friends.
He leaves behind brother and sister-in-law Frank and Maureen Munroe of Tewksbury, MA, sisters and brothers-in-law Bunny and Dixon Knight of Chelmsford, MA, Mary Ellen and James Nihan of Chelmsford, MA, Geraldine and Paul McPhillips of Dunstable, MA, and Barbara Pickering of Chelmsford, MA. Also in-laws Vernon and Beatrice Randell of Hampstead, NH, Jane and Robert Palmer of Wilmington, MA, and Joyce and Steve Cail of Dunstable, MA.
Visiting hours Sun. 4 to 8 P.M. There will be a gathering Mon. at 10A.M. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 11A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial at a later date in the Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA. Memorials may be made in his memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. www.michaeljfox.org ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
jim lowthers
| #
George, This world has lost a loving and compassionate man who wouldn’t give up on me when I wanted to give up……Thanks to you I didn’t. God Bless You and your Family!Jim L!
Dave M from EPT
| #
I only knew George through our poker league. He was always quick to say hi to his fellow players and welcome others who came to the table. One of the nicest and most genuine people I ever met. He will be missed.
Lissa Pendleton
| #
Georgee, you will be sorely missed. You knew how to make everybody feel special especially with that twinkle in your eyes.
Linda Cowan
| #
So sorry for your loss Mary. I remember your family Christmas pictures in the ICU. I know how much family matters to you . Blessings
Dave Fahey
| #
George was an amazing man and I will miss him greatly. I am going to be in Colorado for the service so wanted to leave my condoleces here. I will be forever grateful for him being there for me when I needed him and the many laughs we shared. His family meant everything to him, may you find peace in the memories of the good times. He was simply the best.
nora
| #
Carol, so sorry to hear of Georges passing, will always remember George on the Football Team in High School and as a classmate of 1959. You and your family are in my thoughts in this very difficult time.
Mike decker
| #
I truly had the pleasure of knowing and learning experience knowing George the great rip my pal