WAYNE FILLBACK

1936 - 2024

FILLBACK, Wayne Age 87, of Andover, MA, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Wayne was born on October 5, 1936, in Westfield, MA to the late Waino R. Fillback and Loretta (Dauphin) Fillback and grew up in Portland, CT. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Maryellen (MacDonald) Fillback; and his brother, Richard Fillback. He is survived by his daughters, Ann Riley (John) and Laura Ewing-Mahoney (Kevin); as well as grandsons, William, Henry, Jack, Alex and Camden; and his loving sister, Cynthia Dauphin; as well as by nieces, nephews and cousins. A graduate of Deerfield Academy, Colby College (BA) and the University of Vermont (MA), Wayne spent 32 years working as a high school History teacher and track/cross country coach in Stoneham, MA, where he was recognized for his outstanding dedication, both in the classroom and on the field and was the recipient of several National Endowment for the Humanities grants, to study American History. Wayne was a true Renaissance man, he was a gifted guitarist with a love of folk and bluegrass music, a standout athlete in high school and college and later, as a runner, who ran the Boston Marathon in 2:42, at the age of 48 and an intellectually curious student of history and world events. Wayne's kindness, easygoing personality and sense of humor made for many friendships throughout his life. Simply put, to know Wayne was to love him. Wayne delighted in annual get-togethers with his Colby crew and other lifelong friends. With his wife, Maryellen, Wayne enjoyed traveling the world, yet was never more content than when he was on the Outer Cape in the summer with his family, which held a special place in his heart. Above all, Wayne was a dedicated family man whose greatest joy was being with his wife, children and grandchildren, whether at weekly family dinners or during yearly family vacations. Visiting Hours: A Celebration of Wayne's Life will be held on September 12, at a location to be determined. To be notified of the details, please email laura@sageadvancement.com Donations, in Wayne's memory, can be made to Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, 430 North Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 or www.fsmv.org

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