Obituary of George Maria

George Maria, 81, of Peabody, died early Wednesday morning at the Rainbow Nursing Home in Peabody following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband Mary (Taylor) Maria with whom he shared over 61 years of marriage. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Antonio and Maria (Couto) Maria. He was a lifelong resident of Peabody and a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1942. After high school, he entered the United States Navy and served during World War II. While stationed in England, he met his future wife, Mary, at the store which the military took over during the War When he returned home, he worked for over 20 years for AC Lawrence in Peabody and later worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Portuguese American War Veterans Club as well as the CLC Club, both in Peabody. He also enjoyed collecting coins and walking and talking with people in the downtown area while with his grandchildren. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, George Maria Jr., and his wife Geri of Georgetown and Anthony J. Maria of Orange Park, Fla., a daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Stephen Kucker of Byfield, two sisters and a brother-in-law, Alice and John Rand of Jacksonville, Fla, and Beatrice Eon of Peabody. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Stephen, Jodi, Jennifer, Adam, Jillian, Angela, Gia and Scott, nine great grandchildren, Cody, Michael, Devan, Brianna, Kaitlyn, Sophie, Alexandria, Haley, and Anthony, and several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late James Maria and brother of the late Joseph, Anthony, and Michael Maria, His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 12 Chestnut St., Peabody Facility to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visitation on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia Society, 495 Old Connecticut Path, Suite 220, Framingham, MA 01701.