George A. McKay

George McKay went to his Lord and Savior peacefully on November 12, 2025. Waiting to welcome him were his first and only love, wife Maureen (Hewitt) McKay, his parents, George and Beatrice McKay and his personal bodyguard, protector and biggest cheerleader, sister Arlene (McKay) Asselin.

George was born December 2, 1932. He attended local schools in Lawrence before moving onto St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, MA, graduating in 1950. He then graduated from the University of Indiana and Southwestern State College of Oklahoma. George was commissioned in the U.S. Coast Guard and then served in the National Guard and the U.S. Air Force, from which he retired with the distinguished rank of Lt. Colonel. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and finally Turkey with his family before returning to the States settling into Salem, NH. He also had tours in Germany, Spain, Greece and so many other beautiful cities overseas. Still enlisted, he would spend a year away while Mom would set up the new house stationed in Thailand and would earn the Air Medal in 1969 for his outstanding airmanship and courage as a navigator on successful and important missions during hazardous conditions.

Once retired from serving our great country, George completed the intensive training program necessary to become an Air Traffic Controller, then worked for the Federal Aviation Administration based out of Nashua, N.H., where he worked until his retirement.

George embraced his retirement and newfound freedom to fully pursue his passions for golf and world travel. He would host his family on numerous trips to his Florida homes, Disney World and The Turks & Caicos. His favorite trips were to Ireland, where he sang along to the Irish songs (having known ALL the words) in his grand and heartfelt fashion, at the very top of his lungs. Some travels even included a game or two (or more) of golf. George was a great golfer but always seemed to have a "hole in his pocket." Yet, when he shanked one, a golf ball somehow magically appeared at his feet.

George's biggest love was his family. He enjoyed spending time with them, at cookouts, his children and grandchildren's sporting events, any time in general, and he always tried to make sure everyone was having a good time. He was easy to please. Give George a great Manhattan or his favorite dessert of Banana Cream Pie (just not a single green vegetable, his biggest dislike) and he was thrilled. He was beloved for his kind and gentle nature, sense of humor and his admiration for a good-or not so good-joke. George's laughter and spontaneous singing would fill a room, any room, no matter the size or location. He will be sadly and deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen (McKay) Lee and her husband, Kenneth Lee, and son, George Michael McKay. Also, his grandson, Michael Patrick Lee and partner Nicole Murphy, Grandson, Zachary Taylor Lee, Grand-daughter, Elyse McKay and her finance Andrew Morin, Grand-daughter, Nicole (McKay) Reyes and her husband, Adrian, and his two Great-Grand-daughters Ayda McKay and Myra McKay who he couldn't stop praising to those around him. He is also survived by his loving Nieces, Kathy (Ross) Case and her husband Jerry Case, and Amie Ross, along with his Nephews Steve Ross and Glenn Ross and many extended friends.

Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Friday, November 21st from 9 - 11am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. The burial will follow in the West Hampstead Cemetery, Cemetery Rd. (off Chase Rd.), Hampstead, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. To send a condolence, please visit, www.peabodyfuneralhome.com