Reverend George A. Carrigg

     Passed away peacefully Friday evening, December 16, 2022 ant the age of 91 years. Fr. George, as he was fondly called by his parishioners, was born in Brockton, MA, son of the late Thomas F. Carrigg and Mora (Swift ) Carrigg, the fourth of six children.

     From early on, Fr. George was exposed to a diverse environment both in the neighborhood and at Ecole Du Sacre-Coeur. He was proud of the fact that he, who was from an Irish family, gave his Valedictorian address in French! And, he later went on to learn Spanish in order to serve his parish community.

     At Brockton High, Fr. George became a star football athlete where he was highly regarded by his coaches and teammates. He loved many sports-including baseball, tennis, ice hockey, among others.

     Fr. George then attended Holy Cross College for a couple of years before answering “the call”, entering St. John’s Seminary. And, he was ordained a priest Feb.2, 1957.

     Fr. George’s first assignment was at Saint Anthony’s in Cohasset where many parishioners still fondly remember him as a young priest who was involved in many youth activities.

     He was then asked to pursue studies in Social Work and he attended Boston College School of Social Work, where he earned his MSW and went on to become a clinical psychotherapist who worked at Family Counseling and Guidance Centers for many years both in the Quincy and Boston Offices. While in training, he was in residence at Sacred Heart in Weymouth and at Our Lady Help of Christians in Newton.

     In Weymouth, he started Parent Groups and CFM (Catholic Family Movement). Over these many years, many in the groups have stayed connected both with each other and with him.

     Fr. George worked as a therapist and provided spiritual direction to many over the years. He accompanied many on their journey towards God, for which many continue to express their awe and appreciation. He worked with priests and with various religious Orders of Sisters, including the Sisters of Saint Martha in Antigonish, Nova Scotia for over 25 years, of which many sought his assistance, guidance, and consultation. He is beloved by many…for his contributions to their lives, to their work, and to the larger community.

     He is probably best known for his tireless work at Saint Christopher Parish in Dorchester on the Columbia Point Peninsula for over 48 years. He was an advocate for the poor and the disenfranchised, advocating from both an individual and systemic vantage point. This was most clearly evident when he became a spokesperson for the subsidized residents in the Columbia Point Housing Project, advocating and teaching residents to advocate for their needs during the transition from the Columbia Point Housing Project to Harbor Point Apartments, now a mixed income community, where he lived the last 4 years. He was a team player who collaborated with agencies on the Peninsula to meet the needs of the various economically and racially diverse groups.

     He will always be remembered for his kindness, listening ear, and support and guidance of those on a quest for a personal relationship with their God, as well as his advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised. His love and devotion to his God and to his family were his mainstay. But, we would be remiss if we did not also note his love of music and gardening, which he shared with children in the Montessori School through a community garden.

     Fr. George is survived by his 2 younger sisters, Anne Carrigg and Mary Carrigg, both of Brockton, along with nephews Thomas, John, William, Joseph, Christopher and Paul Carrigg, and one niece, Kathleen Butler. He also leaves several grandnieces and grandnephews, and he is predeceased by his 3 older bothers, Thomas Carrigg Jr., John Carrigg, and William Carrigg (Fr. Bill).

     Family and friends will honor and remember Fr. George by gathering for visiting hours in St. Christopher Church, 265 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, on Wednesday morning, December 21, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. Followed by a Funeral mass at 11:00 A.M.

     Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Randolph.

Immediately following the burial, everyone is invited for a repast at the Common Market Restaurant, 97 Willard Street in Quincy.