GROVELAND - George J. Charest, 75, of Groveland, MA, died Friday, February 25, 2022, after a courageous battle with a long illness. Born April 9, 1946, he was the son of Ruth (Sutcliffe) (Charest) Norman and the late George L. Charest, of Lawrence, MA.  He was predeceased by his stepfather, Frank P. Norman. A U.S. Navy Veteran, he served proudly on board the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Intrepid, during the Vietnam Conflict in the Gulf of Tonkin. Serving from 1963-1967, George attained the rank of Fireman 2nd Class and earned the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star.  He traveled the world with the Navy, yet returned home and married the love of his life, Paula (Wertz) Charest. They were married for 54 cherished years and together raised 5 children.  He owned George J. Charest Building and Remolding based in Groveland. He was a family man through and through, taking special delight in helping raise his grandchildren George and Lilah, who lived with him and fulfilled the latest chapter in his life.

He grew up in Lawrence and often told stories of his childhood that sounded like they came from the pages of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," with neighborhood friends and his brother David making up a trusty band of explorers who had many adventures along the banks and waters of the Merrimack River and the areas near their home in Lawrence.

George was always one for an adventure, whether it was bringing the family camping to the White Mountains, hiking Mt. Chocorua, road trips and Sunday drives or the infamous family baked bean fight on the streets of Lawrence. He found joy in everything that he did. He traveled several times to Hawaii, one of his favorite places, loved to swim with his grandchildren and longed to going fishing again at Johnsons Pond. He made friends everywhere he went, even during his many stays in hospitals. Whether it was the person in the bed next to him or the many doctors and nurses who cared for him as if he were their own family member, he always made new friends and had new adventures to tell about when he came home. His daughters were tireless advocates for him when he became sick and he was dubbed, "The Comeback Kid" by his family. He was so proud of all his children and extended family. Family members include his wife of 54 years, Paula (Wertz) Charest of Groveland; his mother, Ruth Norman, 96, of Lowell; five children, Scott Charest of Exeter, NH; Nancy Nichols and husband Tom of Amesbury; Cheryl Charest of Worcester; Wendy Charest of Groveland; and Wesley Charest and wife Krisha of Groveland; brothers, David Charest and wife Nancy of Methuen; Robert Charest and wife Cindy of Epsom, NH; and John Charest of Pelham; grandchildren, Rebecca Charest and fiancé Mark LaSala of Manchester, NH; Nicholas Charest of Manchester, NH; Olivia Nichols of Amesbury; George Charest and Lilah Charest of Groveland; great-granddaughter, Adeline LaSala of Manchester, NH; sister in-law June and husband JC Latour of Georgia; cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Services with U.S. Navy Honors will follow beginning at 5:30 PM. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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