Geoffrey M. Fanning

Geoffrey is survived by his wife Helen (McElmon) Fanning. He was the stepfather of Michelle Collins Bolduc and her husband John, of Chaplin CT and Paul Collins and his wife Debbie, of Cypress, TX. He was the beloved brother of Charles Fanning and his wife Frances, of Webster Groves, MO and Patricia Fanning of Norwood. He leaves behind nephew, Stephen Fanning of St. Louis, MO and niece, Ellen Dorsey and her husband Ryan of Webster Groves, MO. In addition, he is survived by six adoring grandchildren, and two great nieces.

Geoffrey was born in Norwood, MA. to the late Charles and Frances (Balduf) Fanning.  He graduated from Norwood High School in 1963, where he was a member of the football and hockey teams earning awards and accolades for his athletic ability and leadership skills. After graduation, he attended Bridgewater State College and earned a B.S. in Education. While at BSC, Geoffrey was a member of the football team from 1963-1966 dominating in the positions of center and linebacker. In 2003, he was inducted into the BSC football Hall of Fame. Geoffrey was a life long learner and went on to receive his M.Ed.from Suffolk University in 1980 and his Ph.D. from Boston College in 1996.

After graduation from BSC, Geoffrey went on to serve as the head football coach of Stoughton High School (1976-79) and Stonehill College (1981-82). After a long career in education, highlighted in 1991 when Geoffrey was selected as the Superintendent of Stoughton Public schools, Geoffrey retired as Principal of Hull High School in 2002.

After retirement, Geoffrey and his wife moved to Boca Raton, FL. He enjoyed summering in Old Orchard Beach, ME, and spending time with family and friends. An avid sports fan, he often enjoyed, scoring the Red Sox games while he listened on the radio from his campsite. He was a Patriots season ticket

holder for more than two decades and would scout out a local establishment in the Palm Beach County to catch the Pats on a Sunday afternoon during his retirement years.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 2nd at 10:00am in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rte. 1A), Norwood. Burial will immediately follow in Highland Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4:00-8:00pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the BSU Alumni Association Football Fund, a fund near and dear to Geoffrey’s heart, to BSU Alumni Association Football Fund, memo Geoff Fanning and  mail to PO Box 42, Bridgewater, MA, 02324 or online donations may be made at  give.bridgew.edu, “Make a Gift”,  choose “other” and add “football” and in the tribute section add Geoff Fanning.