George Francis Wailgum

He was born to Mathias and Emma Wailgum on Oct. 25, 1936, in Holyoke, Mass. He graduated from Holyoke Catholic, served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962, and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westfield State College.

George was a middle school teacher in the Hartford, Conn., public school system for 30 years, raised his family in Westfield, Mass., and then retired to Harwich, Mass.

George was active in churches both in Westfield and Harwich, and served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Chatham Flotilla for 20 years. He loved being on the water—on a Cape Cod lake fishing or pulling his grandkids around in a tube, or out on the Atlantic, helping the Coast Guard with rescue operations.

George loved to play guitar and performed in various bands. He kept himself busy with projects like yardwork and chair-caning. He was passionate about sports and loved watching all the Boston teams.

George is survived by Caroline, his beloved wife of 61 years, and four sons and daughters-in-law: Brian and Katherine Wailgum, of Westfield, Mass.; Kevin and Jennifer Wailgum, of Greenwich, Conn.; Andrew and Catherine Wailgum, of Hopkinton, Mass.; and Thomas and Karin Wailgum, of East Sandwich, Mass. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Michael, Sara, Emma, Henry, John, James, Samuel and William.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Pilgrim Congregational Church, in Harwich Port, or the Coast Guard maintenance of Chatham Light.

Calling hours will be at Doane, Beal & Ames, 260 Main St. 02671, in Harwich, on Sunday, Nov. 21, from 3:30-6pm. Funeral Services will be 11am Monday, Nov. 22 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, in Harwich Port.

To share a memory or for online condolences visit www.doanebealamesharwich.com