Salem: George W. Atkins, Jr. age 87 of Salem, died Saturday morning, February 23, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of Lilyan A. (Dion) Atkins with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Marblehead, he was the son of the late George W., Sr. and Margaret (Kieran) Atkins. Although he spent most of his married life in Salem, he remained forever a passionate “Marbleheader” cherishing his five generation Marblehead lineage. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army in France as a staff sergeant in the Medical Detachment of the 95th General Hospital. Following the war, he returned to Salem and resumed his career with General Electric Turbine Generator Division in Lynn. G.E. valued Mr. Atkins’ skills so highly, he was sent throughout the world to repair power plant turbine generators. After 42 years of service, Mr. Atkins retired from G.E. in 1985.
George was a devoted family man who loved his wife and family. His second love was the boat ‘LILYAN’ and nothing delighted him more than to fill the cockpit with children, grandchildren and friends. He also loved music, dancing, travel, reading, and enjoying time with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. George was a long time member of the Salem YMCA, the Knights of Columbus Salem Council # 76 and the Gerry V of Marblehead. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Salem.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 sons: George W. Atkins, III and his wife Abigail of Beverly, Frederick J. Atkins and his wife Patricia Connolly-Atkins of Marblehead, a daughter, Thais Gauthier and her husband Raymond of Salem, 3 sisters: Lydia Rood, Elizabeth Broughton and Helen Mace all of Marblehead, 9 grandchildren: Maureen Gauthier, David Gauthier & Suzanne Desmond all of Salem, Gregory Atkins of Brooklyn, NY, Julia Reed of Golden, CO, Jonathan Atkins & Heather Cahill both of Salem, Sydney & Morgan Atkins both of Marblehead. He is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Stanley Atkins.
Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 9 am from the Levesque funeral home, 163 Lafayette St., [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem, followed by his funeral mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem at 10 am. Visiting hours: Tuesday 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marblehead Firefighters Scholarship Fund, 1 Ocean Ave., Marblehead, MA 01945. For guestbook and additional information please visit www.levesquefunerals.com.