North Grafton – George F. Stowe, of North Grafton, formerly of Shrewsbury, died at home Wednesday, July 30, 2014, with his family gathered by his side. He was 74.
He was born August 31, 1939 in Worcester, a son of the late Lincoln W. and Margaret (Kilcoyne) Stowe, and graduated from Commerce High School in 1957.
Upon graduation from high school, he attended New England College of Pharmacy and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Worcester State College in 1962. He then earned a Master's of Education degree from Worcester State College in 1964 and participated in graduate studies at Boston University. A graduate of the Massachusetts Military Academy, he joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard 26th Yankee Infantry Division and was commissioned as Lieutenant.
George began a career of public service in education in the Sutton Public Schools as teacher and principal of Manchaug Elementary School from 1962 – 1970. He then worked in the Dudley – Charlton Regional School District and was Principal of Dudley Elementary School and Mason Road School. In his 38-year school career, he also assumed central office administrative duties and responsibilities serving as the Director of Elementary Education and Title One Director in the District. His other professional memberships included Massachusetts Elementary Principals’ Association and the Harvard University Principals Center. Retirement in 2000 afforded George and Joanne the opportunity to travel and spend more time with their family at their home in Centerville on Cape Cod.
He was very proud of his children and their personal and professional accomplishments. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's athletic competitions, dance recitals, and academic award ceremonies. He would often be heard referring to his grandchildren as his “angels.”
A special thank you for the kindness, compassion, and expertise provided to the entire family by the doctors, nurses and staff of UMass – Memorial Healthcare and the JHC Hospice.
George leaves his wife of 30 years, Joanne V. (Galvin) Stowe; his children, Michael D. Stowe and his wife Elaine of Shrewsbury, Steven J. Stowe and his wife Susan of Holden, Thomas M. O’Connor and his wife Keri of Fairfield, Connecticut, Jeremy S. O’Connor and his wife Nicole of Needham, Lisa A. Surprenant of Hardwick, Kristen M. Polimeno and her husband Philip of Tewksbury, and Kimberly A. Stowe of Shrewsbury. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Lincoln W. Stowe.
A private funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church of Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Calling hours are private.
Memorials donations in his name may be made to UMMF-Palliative Care Fund, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
