Benedict P. McGann “Ben”, age 86 of Atkinson, NH, formerly of Waltham, MA, died unexpectedly on April 15, 2016, at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.
Ben was born in Boston, MA on April 27, 1929; he was the dear son of the late Benedict and Nora (Malloy) McGann, Ben was raised and educated in Waltham and a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. Ben went on to further his education earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston.
Ben enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on July 22, 1948 honorably serving the Country during World War II; he was honorably discharged in July of 1951 returning home to his family in Waltham.
Ben went to work for the Raytheon Company in Lowell as an Engineer and was quick to learn the ropes. Ben’s work ethic was second to none and his desire to learn was incredible; he made many friends at work throughout the years. Ben worked closely with his Japanese counterparts to develop the Japanese Missals Systems; he was always proud of working with others and all that they accomplished.
Ben married his “sweetheart” Jean Bousfield in October of 1975 and became an instant “dad” to three teenagers; a role that he eagerly took on and was quite a success at. Family was everything to Ben, he was a wonderful husband, father, son, and brother; he cherished his role as “Grampy” and he beamed with pride whenever he spoke of his grandchildren. Ben was also very close to his nieces and nephews and often thought of himself as a “second parent” to them. Ben always enjoyed getting together with family, celebrating the holidays, and was always the first to give a toast at every occasion.
Throughout the years, Ben, enjoyed traveling with family and friends; he made treks all over Europe and Asia and was known to visit almost all of the United States Ben loved to see new places, cultures, and meet new people; his endearing personality made it easy for him to “fit in” where ever he went.
In his spare time Ben liked to follow sports especially the Red Sox and Patriots or he could be found relaxing in his chair with a Manhattan watching C-Span television and following the Senate and brushing up on his Politics. Ben was an avid golfer who loved to try out new courses and relished in a little friendly competition every now and then.
Ben will be fondly remembered as a wonderful man always very kind, compassionate, generous, and loyal. There wasn’t anything that Ben wouldn’t do for his family and friends. Ben was quite a gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ben was the beloved husband of Jean E. (Bousfield) McGann, devoted father of Linda J. Ouellette & husband Joseph of Atkinson, NH, Robert P. Traer & Wife Jennifer of Salem, NH, and Cathy D. Martel & husband Ken of Lowell, MA. Loving “Grampy” of Joseph L. III and Lindsey M. Ouellette, Mitchel R. and Garrett E. Traer, Ryan S. Stetzler, Anthony J. Bellandi, Jessie G. Martel, and great-granddaughter Gemma G. Stetzler. Cherished son of the late Benedict and Nora (Malloy) McGann, dear brother of Agnes Mannix of Watertown, the late Martin McGann, Peter “Champ” McGann and Marie Spaulding. Special Uncle of Noreen Gaspar, Albert Mannix, Brian Mannix, Kevin Mannix, Shawn Mannix, Patricia Metcalfe, Eileen McHugh, John Spaulding, and their families.
Family and friends will gather for a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 14th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 133 School St., Waltham, MA. In lieu of flowers donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Michael B. Christensen Community & Family Support Center, c/o the Exchange Club of Salem, P. O. box 145, Salem, NH 03079. Ben was a retired Engineer from Raytheon in Lowell after 42 years and a U. S. Coast Guard Veteran. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington.