GEORGE H LOVELY JR

George Henry Lovely, Jr. passed away peacefully at Life Care Center in Auburn, MA on November 20, 2023. Born in Worcester on August 10, 1929 to George and Elizabeth Lovely, George accomplished much in his 94 years.

After graduating from Commerce High School, he married his high school sweetheart Evelyn Poire, and quickly discovered a passion for sales. He proudly joined the National Guard where he earned the rank of Lieutenant and served a key leadership role in the 1953 Worcester Tornado. George started an Airway Vacuum Sales Office in Worcester which grew to “A to Z Vacuum” in Worcester and Gardner, and “A to Z Sew and Vac” in Fitchburg.

His family also grew with the birth of twin girls, Linda and Laura, then Judy, George III, and finally David. George and Evelyn purchased a beautiful and sizable plot of land and 2 houses in Auburn which housed the family, his large vegetable garden, dogs, cats, chickens, roosters, geese and a goat. As the children grew, a larger home was built for the family as well as a home for George’s mother and stepfather, Richard and Elizabeth Manning. The original 2 houses were eventually deeded to his 2 sons, making the Auburn property truly a Lovely Estate.

George had many hobbies and passions that he enjoyed in his free time. He loved to fish and had 2 of his biggest catches mounted in his basement for all to marvel. He also enjoyed downhill skiing. As his eyesight began to fail, he continued to ski through sighted guide programs. He loved to travel, first with a tent, and then tent trailer, and road trips to Florida. Later, he and Evelyn fell in love with cruising. They generously brought each of their children’s families on a cruise to share their joy. Two of George’s guide dogs, Idaho and Atlanta, accompanied them on cruises, too.

As an active member in the Lions Club for decades, George served as the president of the organization for several terms. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Parish in Auburn. He was also an avid fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, and loved attending games at Fenway Park. George was a lifelong learner and sharer of knowledge. He enjoyed asking questions, enthusiastically debating, and engaging in long conversations with his family members. His greatest passion later in life was listening to historical audiobooks for hours on end.

George was predeceased by his brother Richard Lovely, his sister Jean Jones, and son David Lovely. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Evelyn Lovely, daughter Laura Nowick, daughter Linda and her husband Larry Martin, daughter Judy and her husband Dan Boire, son George Lovely III and his wife Mary, daughter-in-law Cathy Lovely, and guide dog Crystal. The Lovely legacy continues with 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

George’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn.