George T. Sheeley

LOWELL - Life long Lowell resident George T. Sheeley, died January 26 at the age of 94. He was married to the late Catherine (Kay) (McHugh) Sheeley who died on January 4, 1993.
Born July 22, 1924, he was the son of the late George F. and Edith (Wallace) Sheeley of Lowell.
George was a graduate of Lowell High School and received an Associate Degree from Franklin Technical Institute. He enlisted in the US Navy and served during World War II as a Fire Controlman on the heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa, in the European and Pacific Theaters. The Tuscaloosa supported ground troops as part of Operation Overlord on D-Day and Operation Anvil/Dragon during the invasion of southern France in 1944. The Tuscaloosa was then assigned to the Pacific and was a major contributor in the assaults on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Through binoculars, George saw the Marine Flag Raising on Mount Suribachi. He was a member of the American Legion for over 70 years.
George worked as an electrical lineman for Massachusetts Electric Company (National Grid) for nearly 40 years and retired as a Head Lineman. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for over 60 years. After his retirement he worked at the Greater Lowell Vocational Technical High School in Tyngsboro, MA as a substitute teacher.
George loved to sing and act, and was in many Variety Shows over the years including the St. Patrick's shows held yearly at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. He sang with different groups and choirs throughout Lowell, Dracut, and Andover and at the Dracut Telethon to name a few.
George liked to walk and usually covered about 5 miles a day to keep himself in shape, as he truly believed that was one way to live a long and healthy life.
George taught CCD for many years at St. Michael's School. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Society for over 50 years serving as a past President. He was a Lector and Usher at St. Michael's Church most every Sunday. He also participated in monthly adoration in the early hours of the morning in different Churches around the city.
George was a kind and loving person who was always willing to help no matter who asked whether it was family, friends, or neighbors. He would pick you up if you needed a ride to the Grocery Store, Doctors Office, Church or in some cases just wanted to relax and get something to eat.
The family would like to thank the Nurses and Staff at Sunny Acres Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Chelmsford for the excellent care given to "King George" as he was affectionately called.
George is survived by his Five daughters: RitaAnn Dowling and husband Robert, Patricia Tobin and husband Dennis, Catherine Carmody and husband Kevin, Cynthia Burns, and Mary Gail Manolakis. Grandchildren: Robert J. Dowling and wife Jacquline, Kathleen Dowling and Colin Spence, Timothy Dowling and wife April, Colleen Dowling and Jay Jaime, Jeffrey Tobin and wife Melissa, Ryan Tobin and wife Amelia, Erin Santossio and husband Robert, Meghan Carmody and Christopher Campbell, Kathryn Whitney and husband Jonathan, Patrick Burns, John Henry Burns and wife Kylah, David Sheeley and wife Crystal. Great Grandchildren: Sean Dowling, Sophia and Addison Tobin, Ryan and Kayla Tobin, Jack Santossio, Tyler, Dylan, and Kayla Whitney, Felicity Burns, and Landon Sheeley.
George was predeceased by Brother Frank Sheeley, Sons-In-Law Patrick B. Burns and John Manolakis, and very dear friend Rita Chateauneuf.
SHEELEY - Relatives and friends are invited to George's Life Celebration on Thursday from 4 until 8 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL, 327 Hildreth Street. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:30 AM in St. Francis Church, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. For directions or condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com