Published in the July 17, 2015 edition
BARNSTEAD, N.H. — James M. Greelish, 79, of Barnstead, N.H., died at the Port Health Care in Newburyport on July 13.
Jim was born and raised in Melrose and was a graduate of Medford Vocational School, Class of 1955. He resided in Wakefield for 21 years and the past 31 years in Center Barnstead, N.H.
Jim was a Wakefield firefighter for 30 years before his retirement in 1986.
He was a member of St. Mary Church in Melrose and St. Florence Church in Wakefield for many years.
Jim was a former member of the Harold O. Young VFW Post #2394 in Melrose and the Wakefield Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed spending his summers at Brant Rock in Marshfield for 30 years and Suncook Lake in Center Barnstead, N.H.
Jim was the loving father of James M. Greelish Jr., and his wife Donna of Woburn, David L. Greelish and his companion Elizabeth Medeiros of Newburyport and Gregory M. Rexford and his wife Ellen of Hampton Falls, N.H. He was the cherished grandfather of Eric, Elizabeth, Daniel, Thomas, Kristen, Caitlynn, Keagan and Taylor. He was the caring great-grandfather of Christopher, Jake and Kyle. He was the former husband of Beverly M. (Gurley) Sharpe. He was the devoted brother of Kevin Greelish and his wife Suzanne of Topsfield and the late John Greelish, Mary Foley, Joseph Greelish, Barbara O’Brien, Thomas Greelish and Eileen Butt. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, on Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, Friday at 8 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose at 9 a.m.
Burial in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mary (Greelish) Foley Scholarship Fund, 8 Lovell’s Way, Mt. Vernon NH 03057.
To sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com
