Obituary of George W. Caldwell III

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of George W. Caldwell III, of Kingston, Ma.  George passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family after a relatively short and courageous battle with cancer.  George's brother Michael and sister Rhonda cared for him selflessly and tirelessly from beginning to end during his illness.

George was born in Weymouth, Ma on December 21, 1958 to his mother Joan (Whalen) and father George W. Caldwell II.  He grew up in Kingston where his parents raised George and his four siblings.  George later married the love of his life, Kellie and they moved to Manomet where he built by hand his own home for his wife and children.  He is survived by his former wife Kellie Caldwell, daughter Amy Fultz, son George Caldwell IV, and two grandchildren all of Plymouth, Ma.  George also leaves behind his siblings: Alice Elwell, Michael Caldwell, Rhonda Johnson, and Bernadette Caldwell, as well as many nieces and nephews.  

George was a talented carpenter and handyman extraordinaire.  Whatever was broken, he would fix.  He fulfilled his passion for craftsmanship by building his dream home, a simple Cape, by following the plans Kellie drew herself.  The home sits on a peaceful piece of land gifted to George and Kellie by his grandparents, Joe and Rose Whalen whom he loved very much.  Years later, he built an exact replica as a dollhouse for his daughter Amy.  Throughout his life, he crafted countless pieces of furniture for himself and others including bookshelves for the Plymouth Public Library before he retired from the Town of Plymouth.  George dedicated his life to helping others and was always more than willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.  Some of his favorite memories include cherished moments spent playing cards with extended family during every holiday celebration.

A man of simple pleasures and many interests, George found joy in everyday things like maintaining a beautiful yard, having his morning coffee while at the Kingston or Plymouth boat ramp, sitting in front of a wood stove or on his front porch, going for a ride on his motorcycle or in one of his antique cars, tinkering in his woodshop, and looking forward to a good meal.  John Deere tractors were one of his most favorite things and at one point his collection exceeded twenty of them, his favorite of which was a model 110 that he named "Miss Amy" after his daughter.  His John Deere collection was only complete with a miniature version especially for his son George IV.   George loved to mow his lawn and got great joy from slowing down to pick a peach from one of his own peach trees for a mid-mow snack.  He enjoyed raising livestock from time-to-time such as goats, chickens, and even an emu once.  George also enjoyed boating, scuba diving, fishing, and clamming.  After a successful clamming trip, he loved to grill littlenecks open and make his own homemade stuffed Quahogs.  A summer night was complete with a local ice cream in hand.  If he was lucky enough to come across a wheat back penny that he was always on the lookout for, he would happily pocket it for his collection.

George embraced adventure and was known to raise a little cain.  This began at an early age, for example when he and his brother Michael cut up their Christmas pajamas to fit the brand new teddy bears Santa brought or when they wanted to play with their toy fire engines and accidentally set the whole field on fire. George maintained his sense of humor even during the last few days of his life when he joked about meeting "The Big Man Upstairs" with a twinkle in his eye.  Whether riding his Harley or catching a sunset, George found joy in adventure and in nature.  He loved traveling to Florida especially to visit his dad with whom he had a special relationship, and jumping in his truck to ride to New Hampshire or Maine for vacation.  

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NVNA and Hospice Charitable Fund, reflecting George's spirit of generosity and care for others.

At his wishes, services will be private.  May George rest in peace and forever in our hearts.