Richard J. George

Richard (Dick) George of the 101st Airborne Division

Richard (Dick) George was born and raised in Cambridge, MA. His parents were Frank and Julia (Cicariello) George. He came from a large catholic family of four sisters and three brothers. “They never knew that they were poor, said one of the siblings at a family gathering.

Dick worked for Polaroid Corporation where he found his calling as a stock clerk in Dr. Land’s laboratories. He attended workshops and gained a clear edge on organizing hundreds of chemicals used in the groundbreaking research of Polaroid’s world-famous instant photography.

At Polaroid Dick developed a love for politics and actively supported local and state-wide political figures. He bonded with state Senator Francis X. McCann, who elevated him as his administrative assistant. It was in that role that Dick’s life changed forever.  After a few years in the Senate, Dick was appointed by Governor Frank Sargent to be a first assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Cambridge District Court two blocks from where he was born. He retired in 1995 and became a National Representative for the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE). During the following years he traveled throughout the United States organizing labor groups in various professions.

In 2001, Dick met the love of his life, Laurie Christiansen, of Newburyport, MA and they married in 2002. Dick was a veteran with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He dedicated many years helping veterans overcome PTSD with annual deep see fishing trips and equine therapy. Dick was also a passionate supporter of worldwide education of underprivileged children. Dick also founded an Alzheimer’s support group in Newburyport which opened the community for the healing of caregivers.

Dick leaves behind his two daughters, Dawn Hadley, of Holbrook, MA, Elizabeth and Alan Arruda of Atkinson, NH, his son, Richard and Terri George Jr. of South Berwick, ME and his predeceased son Christopher. In addition, he leaves behind his grandchildren Alan, Samantha, Ben, Max, Avalon, Sam, Tyler and Abby. As well as his great-grandchildren, Kyrah, Jack, Thomas and Quinn. Dick leaves behind his stepson and wife, Michael & Stacey Leonard, of Brentwood, NH their children Kiarie, Nicolas, Arianna and his stepdaughter Elizabeth’s children Montana, Avery and Kiley. Dick also leaves behind his brothers Frank, Louie and Joseph and sister Paula as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by sisters Mary, Theresa and Julie.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 16 from 4-8 PM at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home Base, Boston Red Sox Charitable Foundation, a cause close to Dick’s heart.