George F. Bevilacqua, of Acushnet, MA, passed away in his home, Saturday, June 23, 2018, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren. He was the adoring husband of Arlene (DeBassio) Bevilacqua with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. He was 81 years young.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene, three daughters and one son, Susan Dunkle, wife of Daniel Dunkle of Cape Coral, FL, parents of Blake, Bianca and Cosette. Linda Duff, wife of Jayme Duff of Acushnet, MA, parents of Casey, Danny, Morgan, Georgie, Quincy, and Gavin. George Bevilacqua of Lakeville, MA, father of Candace and Sarah. And Arlene Underwood, wife of Clinton Underwood of Indialantic, FL, parents of Roxy and Ryla. George has once again been reunited with their firstborn son, the late Daniel J Bevilacqua, in heaven.
Born and raised in Woburn, MA, son of the late Albert J Bevilacqua and Margaret (Forester) Bevilacqua. Survived by his siblings Charles Bevilacqua of OH, Albert Bevilacqua of Woburn, MA, and Alice Gifford of Billerica, MA. He has been reunited with his late brother and sister; Louis Bevilacqua and Alberta Gallante.
George Bevilacqua was one of the original Founding Fathers of Drum Corps International (DCI) in 1972. Beginning his involvement in Drum Corps, marching in his hometown of Woburn, MA, for his local Catholic Church. He went on to join St. Joes Drum and Bugle Corps of NJ. Ultimately becoming the Drum Major of the 1957 Hyde Park Crusaders/Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps of Boston MA. He later became the Corps most renowned Director from 1972-1980. A legend in his own time, being honored into both the Boston Crusaders and the Drum Corps Internationals Hall of Fame. George was also an integral part of the start of Drum Corps Holland and Drum Corps United Kingdom.
He began his service in the US Air Force, beginning in December, 1957, in the area of Aircraft Maintenance as a Jet Engine Mechanic. In his future he worked for Pan Am Airlines and was a pilot for Flying Tigers Airlines.
His love of airplanes, extended throughout his life, being the proud owner of Norwood Aviation in Norwood, MA, a small aircraft airport. He is known for countless memories created for family and friends with privately owned CB Float Plane, and also with Cessna 150, Cessna 172 and Sky Master aircrafts. George also was the owner of an island hoper airlines based in the Caribbean.
Later in his life obtaining an Associates Degree in Physical Therapy, working in local Nursing homes helping others. His passion for helping others continued with time spent working for the VA, as an agent for the town of Acushnet, MA.
His funeral will be Friday, June 29, 2018 at 9 am beginning at the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Mass of Catholic Faith, 10 am at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 125 Main St., Acushnet. Burial will follow in Sampson Cemetery, Lakeville.
A Celebration of his Life will be Thursday evening, 5-9 pm at The Rock Funeral Home.
In lieu of cut flowers, due to George’s love of gardening, the family is requesting offerings of potted plants to be delivered or brought to the funeral home, so they may then be replanted, in his memory, at his home.
In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parish of his faith, St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet, MA.
There were many things in life that George was passionate about, but his family was the most precious part of his life. He gave his family unconditional love and support and could not have been adored more by them. His Catholic faith was unmatched.
For online directions/tributes www.rock-funeralhome.com.
