Dedicated educator, church leader, and proud family man;
George Abodeely, 85, died July 30, 2015 (at the Grace House) in Windham NH, with three generations of family members at his side. He was the beloved husband of Constance A. “Connie” (Coury) Abodeely with whom he celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on November 14, 2014. He was formerly of Andover, MA and was a well-respected educator in the Tewksbury School system.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, June 23, 1930, George was the fourth child of the late Michael and the late Nahie (Missad) Abodeely. He attended Lowell (MA) schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1948. He went on to graduate from Lowell State Teacher’s College in 1952 with a degree in Education, and received his Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State University. Later, he received Certification from Boston University’s Guidance and Counseling Institute.
Prior to his retirement, George served as Assistant Principal at the Tewksbury Middle School, where he taught for over 24 years. Previously, he served as Guidance Counselor for the Tewksbury School system, and before that as a teacher at the Foster School in Tewksbury.
George loved interacting with people on a personal basis, which explains his having worked two nights a week as a waiter for six decades at Bishop’s Restaurant in Lawrence, MA, where he accumulated quite a following of devoted customers. People who knew him referred to him as "the perfect host," whether that be at the restaurant or at his home in which he took great pride. A 32nd Degree Mason with the William Sewall Gardner Lodge, George was also a member of the U.S. Naval Reserves.
A man of great faith, he was a dedicated member and a past president of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Lowell. He served as a chanter for the church and his community for over 40 years, following in the footsteps of his late father Michael and his late uncle Moses. His commitment and service to his church was evidenced by his willingness to attend any weekday or other service or liturgy whenever called upon and by training his son, Steve and grandchildren, Mindy and Stephen to succeed him on the chanting stand. George loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also had great respect for his elders and was interested in the well being of all his relatives, whom he was willing to help whenever and wherever needed. He was an avid gardener and spent most of his free time nurturing his vegetable garden, fruit trees and the yard that he treasured.
Besides his loving wife, George is survived by two daughters Cynthia G. Desmond and her husband John of Andover and Sandra “Sam” L. Cormier and her husband Scott of Windham, NH; two sons Michael G. Abodeely and his wife Lori of Windham, NH and Stephen R. Abodeely and his wife Robin of Nashua, NH.; six grandchildren John Desmond, Jeff Desmond, Melinda Abodeely, Stephen Abodeely, Chelsea Cormier and Brooke Cormier; five great grandchildren Jack, Alex, Owen, Conor and Evelyn; his brother Richard Abodeely of San Diego, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Ned and sisters Miriam Abodeely and Jeanette Lesson.
Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Lowell. Condolences may be conveyed to the family through the O'Donnell Funeral Home website.
May his memory be eternal!