George Kevin Gotsch

Fresh off his six-month farewell tour, George Kevin Gotsch of Beverly, passed away on October 14 surrounded by the people and love that defined his life.
Born in Illinois and raised in Brookfield, George eventually made Beverly his home, where he built a life full of laughter, good food, hard work, and even better company. He spent his career as an equipment operator with Local 4 Union out of Boston, a role he took immense pride in and one that reflected his steady, hardworking nature.
After being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, George turned his final six months into a celebration. He reconnected with friends and family across the country, visited Portugal, Chicago, and Colorado, and became by his own admission, the center of attention for the first time in his life. And he loved every second of it.
George was the ultimate cheerleader for his wife and kids, never missing a chance to brag, encourage, or fix something around the house (and likely overbuild it in the process). He leaves behind his beloved wife, Maura (Flaherty) Gotsch; the love of his life and their children, Will; Mac; Sheehan; and Rosie, who adored him endlessly. He is also survived by his mother, Patricia Gotsch, and an extended family of more than 100 people, all of whom he loved deeply and was immensely proud of.
He was a man of simple joys and strong opinions: a late-stage world traveler, geology buff, bird watcher, and devoted mosquito magnet. He loved movies, especially The Equalizer and any good war flick, dogs, and, above all, food. Talking to George often felt like sharing a meal; he could describe a sandwich better than most chefs could make one, knew every buffet within a 20-mile radius, and never failed to leave you full of laughter, warmth, and stories.
A careful planner and famously early airport arriver, George was known to pair his punctuality with impeccable cargo shorts. He was a true Chicagoan at heart who carried his Midwestern roots proudly wherever he went.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Margaret of Scotland, 672 Hale Street, Beverly, on Wednesday October 22nd, at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Tuesday October 21st, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George's memory to either The Friends of the Beverly Farms Library, via mail: Beverly Farms Library 24 Vine Street, Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 or online: https://givebutter.com/farmsfriendsmembership;
or to the Essex County Greenbelt, online: https://www.ecga.org/support/donate.
Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.