Shrewsbury – George R. Jose, Jr., 79, a resident of Shrewsbury for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Janice M. (Dziedzic) Jose; devoted children, Christine M. Yeaton, of Shrewsbury, Kevin R. Jose, his wife Karen, of Oxford, and Peter J. Jose and wife Karen, of Shrewsbury; his grandchildren, Kyle Jose, of Sheridan, AR, Colin Yeaton, Jack Jose, and Calvin Jose, all of Shrewsbury; and his siblings, William Jose and wife Jean, Karen Charron and husband Bob, all of Shrewsbury, Donna Jose of Worcester, and Sharon McCarthy and husband Bill, of Virginia Beach, VA. He leaves several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by a son, Michael R. Jose; his parents, George R. Jose, Sr., and Geraldine (Seymour) Jose, and his sister, Joyce Fair, and her husband Kevin.
Born and raised in Worcester, George graduated North High School in 1961, and enlisted in the U.S Army, where he proudly served with honorable discharge in 1964. Upon returning home, George attended Quinsigamond Community College, attaining an Associate’s degree. He advanced to UMASS Amherst earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and completed a Master of Education degree at Worcester State College.
George’s passion for learning became his career as a high-school teacher at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough. Chair of the History Department, he was the tough-yet-still-a-favorite variety of teacher, respected for his dynamic approach to US History, Civics, and even Driver’s Ed. Outside the classroom, George was an acclaimed multi-sport Varsity Coach, (baseball, soccer, field hockey), earning induction into the Assabet Valley Coaching Hall of Fame. Upon retirement, George furthered his career for decades as an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, Quinsigamond Community College, and as a high school Umpire.
George’s happy place was simple: his grandchildren. No matter the weather, he could be found on the sidelines cheering and coaching his boys. An avid golfer, he beamed with pride over witnessing his son’s hole-in-one at St. Andrews, Scotland, and the attention it drew from PGA pros practicing the course. Together with Jan, he enjoyed a daily dose of PBS or BritBox, traveling with friends, and proudly raising their three children. A little-known secret was his ‘part-time job’ at the Foxwoods poker table, where his sharp mind (and a bit of luck) often yielded ‘the nuts.’
George’s competitive spirit carried on though his last days, where he coached the Red Sox from his bedside, and as he joyfully listened to the post-game replays by his grandsons this spring.
To have met George was to be touched by a warm presence, quick wit, and a brilliant mind. George and his family extend heartfelt thanks to the accomplished teams at the UMASS University Campus L3 Step-Down Unit and Cardiac ER, for their exceptional care and compassionate energy.
In lieu of flowers, donation in his memory can be made to the Jimmy Fund Children’s Clinic: http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/GeorgeJose.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Jose family from 2:00 – 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will be held privately.
