Thomas Andrew George
Jan 5th, 2016
Thomas Andrew George of Cummaquid died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 in the company of his loving wife, Rebecca Brown George. He had lived with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, for 14 months and met its challenges with great courage and extreme bravery.
Tom was a self-proclaimed “Man of the Sea”. He tackled several successful commercial fishing seasons as Captain of the F/V Fisheye and owner of Fish Pier Charters at the Chatham Fish Pier. His love of the ocean began in Beetle Cats at the Hyannis Yacht Club and progressed into competing at the world championship in Olympic Class Stars. It was warm winter sailing that brought Tom to San Diego for six years, but while there he taught at an alternative high school for troubled youth.
Tom and Rebecca met at age 4 at the Northside Nursery School. They were friends throughout their school years, reconnected as adults and married in 2005.
After attending Yarmouth grade schools, he graduated from Northfield Mt. Hermon School, received a Bachelor of Arts from UMass Amherst and a Masters of Education from Lesley College.
Spending time with Tom meant spending time outdoors. He skied, gardened, raked clams, scalloped seasonally, and pursued nature’s gifts from the wilderness. As much as he loved the company of friends, he relished the solitude of an afternoon on the flats. As meaningful to him were his pets, including his rescued dachshund Lola, and dozens of backyard chickens over the last decade.
Tom never missed a chance for adventure. Travels with his wife and others brought him to many corners of the world, including this past year when he and Rebecca explored the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and crossed the Atlantic by ship on the QMII.
Many local charities benefited from Tom’s support. While employed by Intuit, he established their Relay for Life team. He loved a silent auction either by donating charter fishing trips on the Fisheye or outbidding the highest bidder. At the time of his passing, Tom was three weeks from his 45th birthday. In addition to leaving his wife Rebecca, he is survived by his parents, Thomas Nicholas George and Alice McConathy George of Yarmouth Port. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Alicia and Miles Hutton of Waltham, his goddaughter Elise and niece Lila, and his brother Christopher Stuart George also of Yarmouth.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, 347 South St, Hyannis at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 9. There will be a private burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574, www.ccals.org.
Guest Book
I know Tom is smiling down upon us! Sending love to all who are missing him !
Unfortunately I am late in learning the news of Tom's passing. My family and I share wonderful memories with the Georges. From ski trips to Hyannis Yacht Club activities, Tom was always a big part of our lives growing up. We send all of our love to you all. All our love, Katie (Grammaticas) Foster, Pete Grammaticas, and Andy Grammaticas
Rebecca, Mr. & Mrs. George & family, My most sincere sympathies and prayers to you at this time.
Alice and Tom -We are so sorry to hear about Tommy - a terrible disease...a loss we can't begin to imagine! May he rest in peace.
I am sorry for your loss - I worked with Tom @ eclipse. He was always ready to help with a smile on his face. From the outpouring of feelings for him it is obvious how much he will be missed. Amy Chamberlain
Dear Marilyn, my heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family...I am so sorry for all of you. May he rest in peace. Love, Diane Nahass
Rebecca, Alice, Tom, Marilyn, Alicia and Christopher: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. Tom taught us much about life. Sincerely, Ann Canedy
Dear George Family, It is with great sadness that we share our sincerest condolences with Rebecca, Tom, Alice, Alicia and Chris. Losing a loved one as kind and loved as Tom is heartbreaking and one of the most challenging inequities of life. Know that your husband, son and brother was respected and loved by all of us who were privileged enough to know him. With his departure to a better place a void remains here that we're certain Tom would want filled with love and compassion. We have known your family and been friends for many years, so please be comforted knowing that we, as well as all your friends, are here for you during this most difficult of times. Our love, The Macheras Family
Dear Tom, Alice, Alicia, Chris, Rebecca and Marilyn, No words can begin to erase the unthinkable pain of your loss. Our thoughts, prayers, love and hugs are with you all. Betty and Dick Neitz
Rebecca - I didn't realize you met at age four - that is remarkable. I'm so sorry for your loss. The obituary is beautiful. I feel like I know more about this person you loved so much and I can see why. Thinking of you. You're welcome to Maine anytime if you need to get away. Love, Cheryl and Avery.
Very sorry for you loss. I have wonderful memories of fishing with Tom!
I will be there with you in spirit at funeral mass. Love and prayers, Susie Pegel and Teddy
Tom & Alice: so saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Thomas. He has been in our prayers for some time now, as Marilyn has kept me informed of what you all have been encountering. Aunt Rose and Uncle Tom await their Grandson with open arms. Know he will be in the Good Lord's hands with his family there for him as well. On behalf of Audrey and our whole family, May Thomas's MEMORY BE ETERNAL!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I grew up at Hyannis Yacht Club looking up to Tom as a kid. He was always there with a big smile. He was so kind to us younger kids always willing to help always willing to spend time with us. I have not seen him since those days but I do think of him. He has always left an impression on my life.
Dear Alice and George, Thank you both for being there when we needed you. We are so sorry not to be there with you as you go through this time. Our prayers are with you and your family. Much love, Christina
The world has benefited from Tom and all he contributed. What a true blessing. God Bless.
Dear Alice and Tom, We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Joan and Bruce Kilroy
My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family.
I am so sorry for all of you, what a horrible loss. I did not know Tom well, but always liked him. He had a great smile and warm personality. I also went to NMH and grew up on the Cape, 2 of the best places in the world.
Deepest condolonces and prayers for strength to the George family on the untimely and tragic loss of Tom. You will all remain in my family's prayers.
May your faith family and friends sustain you at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Penny and Richard Lewis
I was lucky to have known Tom during his Intuit days, and we worked side by side on organizing the relay for life event. His heart was always looking at others and what he could do for them. I felt blessed to have known him, I am sorry for the families loss, but grateful that he is flying with the angels - and he is not in any pain. Sending prayers to all of you, the loss is more challenging to us that are left. Regards Vicki hassett239
Thinking of you at this very sad time. Cherish all the wonderful memories that Tom gave to you.
John and I both offer our sincere condolences and support. Our thoughts are with you both.
Marilyn, Alice and Tom, We send our love and sympathy to you and your entire family. We share in the sadness of this time.
There's nothing any of us can say or do to take away your pain or fill the hole that Tom's passing has left. I only hope that you can draw some comfort and strength from the knowledge that so many people are holding your family in love. We don't know each other well, Rebecca, but I know enough about you and Tom to know that, in time, you will find a way to transform the intense energy of this loss into something equally intense and powerful, but beautiful.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Tom's passing. I hadn't talked to Tom in years, but enjoyed his posts on fb. He was my first roommate in San Diego when I moved here in 2001 and I always appreciated his friendship while he still lived there. And I truly appreciated when he gave me a friends number in NYC that I could call if I ever got in trouble when I moved there in 2002. He was just a good person and will be truly missed. God bless.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Tom's passing. I hadn't talked to Tom in years, but enjoyed his posts on fb. He was my first roommate in San Diego when I moved here in 2001 and I always appreciated his friendship while he still lived there. And I truly appreciated when he gave me a friends number in NYC that I could call if I ever got in trouble when I moved there in 2002. He was just a good person and will be truly missed. God bless.
So sorry that you have lost your son, husband and brother. I didn't know him, but knowing his family, I'm sure he was a fine man whose loss will be deeply felt.
Our hearts feel empty with the passing of our friend Tommy G. A true gentleman who lived life to the fullest. Such a tremendous loss for your entire family and friends alike. I will hold my childhood memories with Tommy always in my heart. You raised a fine man who married the love of his life. Be proud of your son, your husband who will watch over us all. We pass on our deepest sympathy to you all. Much love. Joanne and Pasquale Iachetta
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Tom's loved ones during this difficult time. Over the decades I knew him, Tom was always able to bring a smile to those in his company. He loved life and lived passionately. This is a terrible loss and I hope his dear family is comforted by the laughter and love he shared with us during his life. Courtney
Alice and Tom my prayers are with you at this sorrowful time. The lord will wrap his arms around you both. Praying for you both Sincerely Linda Pisacano
Dear Marilyn, Alice and Tom, May I extend my most sincere condolences to you and your family. It is so difficult to know what to say to comfort you in such a sad time. I can only trust that your faith will bring you peace as time goes on. With deepest sympathy, Carlene Boyle
Alice & Tom, I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers Sincerely, Marie McKenzie