George H. Saalfrank

George H. Saalfrank left us on the 20th of February 2023. He was 86. Born and raised in South Lawrence, MA he moved his young family to Andover in 1965 where he went on to raise 6 children. His wife Patricia Dowd Saalfrank predeceased him in 1978 and George became the single guiding force in his young family’s life. He balanced his professional life as an executive with Massachusetts Electric, with managing children’s schoolwork, sibling rivalries, social requirements, and athletic events for more than 25 years. One of the original founders of the Andover Soccer Association, he also played the game well into his 70s! He had an unmatched passion for life and all who knew him valued his friendship. He was a steadfast Andover Warrior Fan. Even after his own children graduated, he continued to support Andover Athletics and was a regular at football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse games. Most recently, he could also be spotted wearing Orange and Black in Woburn, and Red, White and Black in North Andover, cheering on his grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. With 3 of the kids in the Army, he was forever helping with grandkids and state to state household moves. After retirement, George became a global traveler, with his family and faithful companion, fiancé Phyllis Serino. His adventures included Germany, Italy, South and Central America, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and of course his global favorite Scotland!!  It's impossible to capture his life in words because to know him was in itself an experience. He left this world like he lived his life...on his own terms. He was dedicated to his family, community, and friends and his light will continue to shine in all our hearts. We know that he is finally at peace.

His true legacy lives on in his large extended family. He is survived by his children Scott and Linda Thompson of Hudson, NH, COL (R) David and COL (R) Christine Stark of Cape Vincent, NY, SGM (R) Kris and Karen O’Donnell of Tampa, FL, John and Joanne Vining of Woburn, James and Kathy Saalfrank of North Andover, and CWO4 (R) John and Kim Saalfrank of Raeford NC. He also leaves 12 grandchildren, Chris, Sean, and Ryan Stark, Kaitlyn O'Donnell Holton and Kasey O’Donnell, Jess and Dan Vining, Kameron, Kallie, and Jake Saalfrank, Ethan and Joshua Saalfrank, and one great grandson Harrison Stark. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to the Andover Soccer Association Scholarship, andoversoccer.org or the Run for the Troops,http://www.runforthetroops5k.com/donations Attn. wbillpennington@gmail.com. 

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday February 27, 2023 from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway, Methuen. To leave an online condolence, please visit George’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com. 

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