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BORN
1927
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
George Poirier Obituary
of Lowell, MA, US Navy Veteran, George of Lowell,
Well known Greater Lowell Photographer
LOWELL -- Mr. George J. Poirier, age 89, of the Pawtucketville section of Lowell, passed away Sunday evening, April 17, 2016, at Lowell General Hospital, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Doris M. (Perry) Poirier who passed away July 30, 2000.
Born March 19, 1927 in Tyngsborough, Mass., son of the late Joseph L. and Mary Y. (Cambray) Poirier. George attended St. Jeanne D'Arc School and the Lowell Trade School where he acquired skills as a machinist. With the onset of WWII, in 1941, he worked at the Boston Naval Shipyard in Charlestown, Mass. And then he joined the United States Navy serving aboard the Attack Transport, USS James O'Hara (APA-90) in the Pacific Theater as a Fireman 2nd Class.
After leaving the service, George refined his love for photography at the Eastern School of Photography. He then met Doris M. Perry of Lowell and they married in October 1951. Together they started a family and a business known as the, "George of Lowell" Photography Studio, where numerous children and families were captured in memorable photos of First Communions, graduations, weddings, and other special events and occasions. George retired in 2003 after over six decades of outstanding artistry. He is known as one of Lowell's premier photographers, capturing over one million images.
George photographed many entertainers; such as, Betty Davis, Danny Thomas, The Three Stooges, and authors such as Jack Kerouac. His most memorable work involved photographs of Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy on her visit to Lowell; where he also met and photographed President John F. Kennedy. George's immense body of work included many state and local officials and religious leaders; such as, Senators Ted Kennedy and Paul Tsongas, Governor Michael Dukakis, the portraits of Lowell Mayors, and Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston. A collection of "George of Lowell" photography is preserved at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Center for Lowell History.
In George's early life he was known for his many hobbies; from stock car racing, figure skating, horse shoes, and bowling, to gardening delicious tomatoes, beer making, and woodworking. George collected and restored antique autos, but most of all he loved music. George sang with the Nashua Barbershop Chorus winning the Northeast District Championship in Boston's Symphony Hall.
George enjoyed his many friends at social and religious clubs and organizations. He was a member of the following: Corporation of the Members of the Catholic Association (CMAC), Holy Name Society of St. Jeanne D'Arc, Pawtucketville Social Club, Klaxton Antique Auto Club of Dracut, NEMAC Classic Antique Auto Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars of Lowell.
George is survived by his daughter, Michelle M. Nobrega of Lowell, and son, Carl R. Poirier and wife, Collette of Dracut, four grandchildren; Jason Nobrega and wife, Marisol, Melissa Santos and husband, Jose , Krystle Poirier, Kyle Poirier, and five great-grandchildren: Justin and Christopher Velez, Kaiden Nobrega, Jada and Trevor Santos; three brothers, Roland Poirier and wife, Isabelle of Lowell, Roger Poirier and wife, Pauline of Tehachapi, CA, Richard Poirier and wife, Bernadette of Lowell; three sisters, Jeanne Wagner of Dracut, Pauline Bentley of Bellingham, WA, and Rita Welliver of Jacksonville, FL; and and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
George is predeceased his son, George R. Poirier, his brother, Leopold Poirier of Nashua, NH, sister, Theresa Bedell of Peabody, brother, Raymond J. Poirier of Dracut, and parents, Leopold and Yvonne Poirier of Lowell, MA.
POIRIER -- George J. Poirier, well known Greater Lowell photographer. His memorial visitation will be held at the M.R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell, on Friday, April 22, from 4-8 pm, to which relatives and friends are respectfully invited. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 23 at 8:30 a.m. at Ste. Marguerite d'Youville Church, 1340 Lakeview Ave, Dracut. Interment with Military Honors to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel, Chelmsford. Funeral Director, Scott Laurin. To share your thoughts and memories of George, please click the link www.laurinfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Poirier
Sponsored by lowellsun.com.
Francine Gosselin
April 16, 2021
We think of you often. You were an awesome photographer. You would be using your cameras for sure to photograph your very beautiful granddaughter
April 23, 2016
Michelle and family, Sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Kathy Bettencourt
Joan Bello
April 22, 2016
My condolences go out to George's children and his entire family. George was by far the best photographer around! Besides being top notch in his field, he was a perfect gentleman and quite handsome I might add! George was my dad's personal photographer for many many years. In fact there is a photo George took of Jack Kerouac at my dad's bar, the Celebrity Lounge, which is in the insert of Jack's book "On The Road". We have many pictures that George took of the four Bello children when we were growing up that I still display to this day. The city of Lowell and the world of photography have lost a true treasure. George was indeed a legend and a master of the trade.
With deepest sympathy,
Joan Bello
Mark MacPhail
April 22, 2016
My condolences to the Poirier Family. I met George in the V.A. Hospital as his roommate, and we became friends instantly. The fact that we both come from Lowell made us instantly acquainted. Then on finding out he took my whole Family's School Portrait's he realized that he remembered the family's name. A friend of mine from Lowell came to visit and my friend had his school photos taken by George. It gave George a kick when my friend took his picture with his phone. My older brother came to visit and he immediately remembered George. Also, being lifelong Lowellians he knew some of the older members of my family and other acquaintances of mine. George served his Country admirably and with Pride and Distinction. He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him. Blessed Be and GodSpeed, George. Your Friend, Mark F. MacPhail!
Normand Lemieux
April 22, 2016
Michelle, Carl and family...sincere and deepest condolences from a very long ago Friend. Many, many years ago my Dad, Vic, worked part time for your Dad. George taught him to develop negatives the old fashioned way...in the dark room. I remember my dad taking me with him on Saturdays and how special that was. I still have my First Communion photo your Dad took. He also did our wedding photos and, one random weekday I took our firstborn to the studio and your dad took a great outdoor shot of my son and I.
Your dad was a big part of our lives, we will always remember him. God bless all of you.
Normand Lemieux
Stephanie Poirier Veglas
April 22, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with George's children at this time. I am sorry that I'm unable to attend but know that I am thinking of you all as you celebrate Uncle George's life.
Stephanie Poirier Veglas
RAYMOND MICHAUD
April 22, 2016
I went to school with George during his years at St Jeanne Darc school, later in life when I was getting married I went to him on the corner Pawtucket St. and University Ave for my wedding pictures which I still cherish, George pick my then bride in his shiny Lincoln with all the bridesmaid and took them to church. After the ceremony he took the whole wedding party to Marty for celebration George was also invited. I loved all the antiques cars he had having a passion for old cars myself I remember his model
T ford and the Ford 4 door open car. George had in parades. George will be missed and was the best photographer Lowell had.
Janine Whitcomb
April 22, 2016
Though I've always known about George, it wasn't until I met him at his studio that I come to know him as a friend. He was a kind, thoughtful man who touched my heart. Rest in peace George, you will be missed.
Ron Roy
April 21, 2016
Michelle
Very sorry to hear about your Dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 21, 2016
Thank you for your service Rest in peace
Francine,Norman Gosselin
April 21, 2016
Dear Carl, Collette,Krystle,Kyle,
We are thinking of all of you and our prayers are with you. George was a man with characters,he had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. We love you
Regis Jussaume
April 21, 2016
Rembered has an lover of many discipline,s Will be missed by the Greater Lowell Communities .
A tanto Mon Grand Amis
Paul Genest
April 21, 2016
Michel, I'm so sorry for your loss and please tell Jason and the rest of the family. Dad was a great man whom I've known my whole life.
Jim Boenis
April 21, 2016
My condolences to the Poirier Family. I remember your Father when I was a young boy and I first saw a photo of President Kennedy, a candidate then, he took at the Contakos Café. Many years later he was my Wedding photographer. I personally have a love of photography as a hobby and I can understand the passion your father had for it. May his Memory be Eternal.
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