George H. Schruender, Jr, 73, of North Andover, MA died Tuesday morning at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. George was born in Methuen on September 4, 1943, to the late George H. Schruender, Sr. and Marguerite (Sullivan).
George graduated from St. Michael's Grammer School, North Andover High School in 1961. He graduated from Villanova University School of Business in 1965 with a degree in Economics.
He began his career in the US Navy where he completed Officer Candidate School. He was proud to serve on the maiden voyage of the John F Kennedy. It was also in the Navy where he developed his love for flying. In 1972, George retuned to North Andover to the family real estate business, Schruender Real Estate, which was founded by his Dad in 1953.
For 48 years he was the loving husband of Ellen Marie (Bolis). He was an amazing father to his four children, his daughters Mary Ellen Haczynski, her husband Mark, Lee Ann Keegan her husband Sean, his son Ryan Schruender and his wife Mary (Gunderson), all of North Andover. He was predeceased by his son George H. "Chip" Schruender, III. He was a wonderful “Geo” Grandfather to Michael & William Haczynski, Aileen, Seamus, and Lochlann Keegan.
He is survived by his sisters, Mary (Mame) Meyer, her husband Dennis of Simpsonville, S.C, Joan Fitzgibbons of North Andover, Jane Goodwin, her husband Walter of Sebastian, FL, his brothers Edward Schruender, his wife Joanne and Michael Schruender and his wife Patricia all of North Andover. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was Past President of the Greater Lawrence Board of Realtors and the 1979 Realtor of the Year. George received Realtor Emertius status in 2012 for holding membership in the National Association of Realtors for a cumulative period of forty years. George was the center of his community; a member of Friends of Merrimack and received the 2002 Annual Friend of the Year Award, a member of Villanova Alumni Association and awarded Villanova Mendel Associate for his generosity. He served on The Board of Directors for Central Catholic High School 2001-2013. He was awarded Strathmore's Who's Who 2002-2003 for those who have demonstrated leadership and achievement. He was Chairman of North Andover Old Center Historical District Commission and Treasurer of North Andover Senior Center. George was a member of The Knights of Columbus and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. George shared his flying skills by dedicating his time co-piloting more than 50 Angel Flights.
George was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years playing golf, racquetball, skiing, and boating whenever possible with family and friends. George often said, “We need to reach out to those who truly need a friend.” He leaves behind a great legacy of generosity, caring, friendship and trust.
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In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael's Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845, Lazarus House 412 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, MA 01841, Central Catholic Scholarship Foundation, 300 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, MA 01841, North Andover Scholarship Foundation, PO BOX 524, North Andover, MA 01845. Calling hours are Friday, October 21, from 4-8 pm, at St. Michael's Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Michael's Church on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 10 am. Burial services will follow at the Ridgewood Cemetery in North Andover.