George J. Gosselin

George J. Gosselin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 1, 2012. His love and zest for life were expressed every day during his 85 years even during his brave and valiant battle with cancer.

George, son of the late Yvonne Perrault and George Gosselin, was born on July 18, 1927. He attended St. Patrick's School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence Massachusetts. He served in the US Navy aboard an LST in the China Theater at the end of World War II. He earned a B.S. degree in Textile Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute in 1953. Upon graduation, he joined Eastman to work in technical development and field sales. The company sent George and his new bride, Mary Vuytowecz, to Kingsport where they also welcomed their first son, Jeff. The young family moved back to New England in 1955 where George was based out of Eastman's New York offices. He was promoted to their merchandising and advertising department. The family, which had grown to six, with the additions of Andrea, Peter and Judy, was transferred back to Kingsport in 1962 where he was assigned to product and sales management. He was named the Director of Marketing for the Floorcovering Division and retired in 1988 as the Director of Marketing for the Textile Division. While at Eastman, he was a long-standing member of the American Association for Textile Technology and served as president of the local chapter. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of AATT and to the National Board of Directors of the Carpet and Rug Institute.

He was an active member of St. Dominic's Church where he served on the Parish Council and was a long-time member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. George volunteered with the Kingsport Meals on Wheels program and at Holston Valley Hospital. He also served as chairman for the hospital's Lifeline Program.

George was a long time member of Ridgefields Country Club where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf and will be remembered for his unique swing. He looked forward to the monthly meetings of the "Survivor's Club". George was a lifetime fan of the Boston Red Sox. He loved traveling, a good book, crossword puzzles, fine food, an excellent scotch and of course, outings with his cadre of friends. But most of all, he enjoyed each and every minute spent with his family.

He will be greatly missed and treasured by his loving wife, Mary, their children, and families, Jeff and Cheryl Gosselin-Aaron, Alex and Alyssa; Andrea and the late Don Brewer-Eric and Melissa Brewer great grandchildren -Hunter, Hudson & Hayden, Jake and Lauren Brewer and Elle Brewer; Peter Gosselin; Judy and Cliff Kresge-Peter, Luke and Nicholas Ambrosetti and Mason Kresge. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings; William and Irene Gosselin, Janice and the late Robert Gosselin, Betty and Wes Roberts, Claire and Joe Wadlinger and their extended families. "Uncle George" will also be missed by the Hudson family.

George was especially grateful that his primary caregiver was Mary, his devoted wife of 59 years. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the caring workers from Amedisys Hospice especially to Brooke Fisher and Angela Grimsley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul c/o St. Dominic's Church, 2517 John B Dennis Highway, Kingsport, TN 37660, or to the David Gardner Gift of Love 1357 Watauga St. Kingsport, TN 37660.

The family will receive friends Monday, October 8th, from 4:30 - 5:30 at St. Dominic's Church. A Celebratory Mass will follow at 5:30 with Father Mike Nolan officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are his Tuesday lunch bunch friends George Trabue, Ted Fix, Lynn Francisco, Jack VandeVate, Jerry Feliu and Herb Ladley.