George E. “Buddy’ MacAllister
...founder of Gem Welding in Tewksbury; 76
TEWKSBURY - George E. “Buddy” MacAllister, age 76, the founder of Gem Welding
Company, died unexpectedly at Saints medical Center in Lowell on Wednesday, February 14,
after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home. He was the husband of Jeanne P. (St. Croix)
MacAllister, with whom he had celebrated a 42nd wedding anniversary this past August 1st.
He was born August 2, 1930, one of twelve children of the late Samuel and Armanella (Roberts)
MacAllister. He was raised in Malden, but had lived in Tewksbury since 1956.
During the Korean War, he served in the US Navy, aboard the USS Saipan aircraft carrier.
He was the founder of Gem Welding Company in Tewksbury, which remains a family owned
business. Mr. MacAllister had remained active as a welder at Gem, even after passing ownership
of the company to his son.
He was described by his family as having devoted his life to his family, and was especially devoted
to his four granddaughters.
Besides his wife he is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Colleen Matai and her husband Ajay
of Burlington; a son and daughter-in-law, George E. “Bud” Jr., and his wife Paula (Torode)
MacAllister of Tewksbury; four beloved granddaughters, Sydney and Samantha Matai, Abigail
and Ella MacAllister; two sisters, Helene DeNauw of Fairhaven, Lillian “Lilly” Boissy of
Concord, NH; two brothers, Ralph MacAllister of Revere and Robert MacAllister of Groveland;
and many nieces and nephews.
He was also father of the late Tracy Jeanne MacAllister; and brother of the late Eugene, Arthur,
and Bruce MacAllsiter, Dorothy Lacitello, Armanella Sacco, Marjorie Williams, and Alice Libby.
His Funeral Service was held Monday, Feb. 19, in the funeral home. Following his cremation, a spring
burial will be held in Tewksbury Cemetery. Memorials to the National Kidney
Foundation, 85 Astor Ave., Suite 2, Norwood, MA 02062, will be appreciated.