On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the age of 82, George A. Yackowski passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Leominster Hospital. He was born on March 16, 1944. George, a longtime resident of Templeton, adored the bucolic nature found within his small hometown and adjoining countryside. In his later years, he lived independently at the Heywood-Wakefield Place in Gardner and then enjoyed a brief residency at the Gables, of Fitchburg Massachusetts.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Claudette, his daughter Kimberly, and his parents Stella and Alexander Yackowski. George leaves behind his son Frederick and his partner Jennifer Kuzmeskas, his sister Frances and her fiancé Dennis Brady. As well as Claudette's sisters' families, Sue & Robert Murphy and Joanne & John Twomey. Additionally, those dear to him included many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

George strongly believed in the ideals and principles of community volunteerism. Among his many acts of service, he was the most proud of his tour with the United States Coast Guard, serving his town's Conservation Commission, and acting as a Little League umpire and then as a team manager.

Professionally, George worked for three decades for the Boston & Maine/Guilford Railroad, rising from Trackman to Track Supervisor. A position in which he was responsible for track integrity and safety encompassing all of New England.

An avid outdoorsman, George loved fishing, hunting, picking wild mushrooms, and spending time with his many beloved dogs. He also enjoyed traveling, playing cards at family gatherings, watching science fiction movies, and cheering on Boston sports teams. He was a proud graduate of the Perkins School of the Blind, where, in addition to learning strategies for independent living, he excelled at activities such as fencing and woodworking.

A devout Catholic, George will be remembered for his love of family, dedication to his community, and zest for life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.

A Calling Hour will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will follow from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Martin Catholic Church, 247 State Road, Otter River, MA. Burial will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery, Patriots Road, Templeton, MA. Following committal prayers, a reception will be held at William's Restaurant, 184 Pearson Boulevard, Gardner, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, or on their website at www.stjude.org. Please reference in memory of Kimberly Yackowski. Donations can also be made to Blood Cancer United, Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 22324, or on their website at www.bloodcancerunited.org. Please reference in memory of George A. Yackowski.