George J. Stroman, 95, of Peabody, formerly of Rockport, MA, husband of the late Catherine Teresa (O’Toole) Stroman, passed away peacefully in the late afternoon of Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in the Rosewood Nursing Home in Peabody, MA after a brief illness. He was born in Boston, MA on October 1, 1922, the son of the late Harley and Anna (Hanrahan) Stroman. George grew up in Malden, MA and graduated from Malden High School with the Class of 1940.
He continued his education at the Boston Architectural Center and took evening classes at Wentworth Institute of Technology. His career as an architectural draftsman included associations with several companies including Metcalf and Eddy, MIT, Bernard Soep Architects, and S. Magnuson &Associates, Inc. of Manchester-by-the-Sea. George joining the US Navy in 1942 and served his nation proudly during the World War II as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Second Class.
George was awarded a Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal Pacific Star, and Good Conduct Medal for his service in the South Pacific. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he enjoyed numerous trips and reunions with his wife Catherine and fellow navy servicemen. George’s disciplined Navy training was put to the test thereafter in the course of raising seven sons and two daughters.
His children included: Mark, Michael, Peter, Robert, Mary, Jane, George Jr., James, and Thomas. In the course of his ever-ending challenge to maintain an order in the ranks, he instilled a sense of independence, rerdzt/fulness, and adventure in all of his children. Although George always expected his children to work and study hard, his lasting legacy for his children will always be the spirit he and Catherine instilled in their children to enjoy life.
From winter ski trips, skating, and sledding forays, to summer camping and canoeing throughout New England, George provided all the essentials for the good life. His children continue to especially relish the memories of their carefree summers in Rockport, fishing, swimming, and roaming Cape Ann from George’s cherished cottage in Pigeon Cove. In his retirement years George and his wife Kay loved to travel attending college graduations and weddings of their grandchildren, annual reunions of his WW II brothers in arms, and occasional vacations to Florida and Europe.
He was a daily communicant of Sacred Heart Parish in Malden and of Holy Family Parish in Gloucester. He enjoyed the successes of the New England sports teams especially the Boston Bruins and the Red Sox. He relaxed by watching golf, puttering around the house and he loved to reminisce over his days in the US Navy.
He was an avid watercolor artist with leanings toward the Impressionistic styles. His favorite subjects were landscapes, seascapes and flowers. He is survived by his children, Mark and his wife, Cynthia of CA, Michael and his wife, Lyn Gelinas of Es, Peter of Reading, daughter-in-law Karen Stroman of Medford, Robert of Belchertown, Mary Boisvert and her husband Ron of Gloucester, George, Jr. and his partner Irene Sullivan of Amesbury, James of Medford, Thomas and his partner Andrea Bonner of Boca Raton, FL; his sister-in-law Peggy Burgholzer of Somerville.
He has eighteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition, George has numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Catherine “Kay” Stroman in 2011, his granddaughter Lyla Grace in 2016, his daughter Jane Fisher in 1986 and his sister Anna FitzGerald in 2017.
His visiting hour will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA on Monday, July 30, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. followed by a mass celebrated in St. Anthony by the Sea Chapel, 2 St. Louis Avenue, Gloucester at 1 p.m. Family and friends are cordially invited. George’s burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Eastern Avenue, Gloucester. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Make-A-Wish America, Gift Processing, 1702 East Highland Avenue, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016 or to a charity of one’s choice.
If flowers are preferred Celia’s Flower Studio of Gloucester will be providing arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.
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