Gloucester Alumni

GLOUCESTER — George H. "Mac" McFarland, 91, of 15 Dodge St., passed away Saturday morning, April 5, 2008 in the Addison Gilbert Hospital. He was the husband of Marion E. (Mason) McFarland.

Born in Boston on Aug. 11, 1916, he was the son of the late John and Ida (Frazier) McFarland. He attended Gloucester public schools.

In his early years, Mr. McFarland worked for the City of Gloucester in the Department of Public Works. He then began a career with the former Gloucester Cold Storage on the State Fish Pier which spanned 45 years. At one point, he had attained the status of No. 1 Lumper. Following retirement, he worked for many years maintaining properties for the late William Trayes.

He had been very active in the Legion of Mary for the former St. Ann Church, and was a lifetime member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892. He was also involved with the local Boy Scouts.

George had a passion for sports. At one time, he coached a semi-pro football team named the Crimson Tide, which was owned by Phil Curcuru. The team was managed by Henry Jones and members included, Mooter Albert, Walt McFarland, Putt Murphy, and the Karcher Brothers.

He and Marion loved to travel the United States. They also enjoyed the opportunity to visit Europe, as well as many Caribbean Islands.

George was family oriented and was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his devoted wife of 60 years, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gerard and Mary Ann (Denis) McFarland of Nashua, N.H.; his daughter, Charlene J. McFarland of Hamilton; eight grandchildren, Jill McFarland of Texas, Shevonne, wife of Gap Orlando, and Matthew McFarland all of Gloucester, Rachael and Douglas Stone, and Olivia Carey all of Hamilton, Lauren and Ryan McFarland both of Nashua; his great-granddaughters, twins, Ava and Sofia Orlando. He also leaves his former daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Letendre of Gloucester. He was predeceased by his son, Albert McFarland; two brothers, Walter McFarland and Bernie Decker; a sister, Ella Brown; and his brother-in-law, The Rev. Albert M. Mason.