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In Memory

George Dennett

George A. Dennett of Needham, MA, died Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the Briarwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Needham, MA. He was born June 29, 1926, beloved only child of George Ernest and Cecile Marie (Gay) Dennett in Newton, MA. Loving husband of Elizabeth (Brooks) Dennett and the late Patricia R. (Hashey) Dennett. Father of Gay Ellen Dennett of Natick, MA and Michael David and his wife Cathleen Dennett of Bradenton, Fl. Stepfather of Katy Bernheim of San Anselmo, CA; Robert and his wife Patricia Bernheim of China, ME and Anne and her husband Ben Campbell of Starksboro, Vt. Beloved Step Grandfather of Melissa and her husband Keith Harrison of Pinewood, NC; Sarah, Rebekkah and Lilja Bernheim; Ian, Addy, Emma and Olivia Campbell; and Audrey Felhaber. Step Great Grandfather of Kennedy Kathleen and Peyton Grace Harrison. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. George graduated from Newton High School in 1845, and from Boston University with a B.S. in Education in 1949, with advanced studies at the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University. Upon graduation, he first served as the Director of Physical Education in Houlton, ME and then from 1958 until his retirement in 1987 as a teacher in the Needham School System. Over the years George coached numerous sports, winning the 1956 Aroostock League Baseball Championship, with a perfect 11-0 record. At Needham High School, he was for many years the Assistant (JV) Basketball Coach, with several Bay State League Conference Championships to his credit. He was the Athletic Trainer at NHS during much of the 1960's, and upon the retirement of Mike DeFazio, served as the Faculty Manager of Athletics for Needham High School for the next 35+ years. George was also associated with Boston University's Sargent Camp, starting on the maintenance staff as a college student, before retiring 20 years later as the Waterfront Director when the camp closed in 1969. He also served for several years as the Head Swimming instructor at the Beaver County Day School Summer Camp. George was a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Needham, and also served in a variety of offices for the Alton Shores Association - most often as the Vice President of Roads and Water. George loved gardening and throughout his life maintained gardens at his home in Needham and his beloved cottage on Sunset Lake in Alton, NH. An avid fisherman, George would go out every night in his Alumacraft motor boat during the summer, always trying (and sometimes succeeding) in catching the "big one." His proudest contribution to the youth he served throughout his life, was the founding and creation of the Needham High School Distinguished Career Award, established in 1990 and since renamed in his honor. The initial idea for the award came from conversations over the family dinner table, and was developed as a way of recognizing former Needham High School students who have gone on to distinguished careers in their chosen field of endeavor. Serving as role models and inspirations, each years' honorees are invited back to Needham High School to speak to the Junior Class. A Funeral Service was held at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave, Needham, MA on Wednesday, June 12 at 1 PM with committal in the Sanctuary Garden following the service. Visiting was held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue NEEDHAM on Tuesday, June 11 from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George's name to Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave, Needham, MA.