Shrewsbury – George A. Aldrich, 88, a longtime Shrewsbury resident, died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 at the UMass Memorial Hospital, with his loving family at his side.
George was born and raised in Monson, a son of the late Arthur C. and Lila E. (Plumley) Aldrich. He graduated from Monson High School, where he was a member of the Pro Merito Society. George then entered the US Army and served in Italy during World War II. He returned home and on September 16, 1950 he married Ann Fresia. Together, they made their home in Shrewsbury for the last 60 years where they raised their four children.
George had a great love of farming, with a focus on animal husbandry of cattle. He worked for many different dairy farms through the years, as well as a herdsman for the Massachusetts Breeders Association. He then spent 38 years employed at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury. He retired from there in 1997. He loved to visit farms throughout the area. He also enjoyed World War II history.
Family was most important to George. Besides his beloved wife, Ann of 62 years, he leaves his four children; Georgeanne Lavoie and her companion John Belculfine of Hubbardston, Robert Aldrich and his wife Kimberlee of Worcester, Jean Aldrich and her companion Tony Trifone, Jr. of Belchertown, and Marilyn Nelson and her husband Stephen of Douglas; his brother, Edward Aldrich of Palmer; his two sisters, Elizabeth Aldrich of Palmer and Joan Dineen of Florida; six grandchildren, 11great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, William Aldrich, his grandson Louis Lavoie, Jr. and son-in-law, Louis Lavoie.
A prayer service was held Sept. 1 in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, followed by burial with Military Honors in Mountain View Cemetery.
