George McBride

George Joseph McBride Jr., 92, of Hopkinton passed away on Oct. 29, 2026. Born in Milford, he was the son of the late Dorothy (MacKinnon) McBride and George Joseph McBride Sr. He was the husband of 46 years to Elizabeth (Grenier) McBride.

George was a proud, lifelong Hopkinton resident. With his own hands and the help of a few good friends, he built his forever home, where he would raise all five of his children and spend much of his life. In his younger years, he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Hopkinton, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He also owned and operated McBride’s Bottled Gas for many decades, even making handmade Christmas ornaments for his customers each year. A familiar face around town, George could often be seen in his truck and overalls delivering propane, always ready with a smile and a well-told story. His work ethic was unmatched, but he always made time for a coffee break.

He loved supper around the table with family and friends. One of George’s favorite family traditions was presiding over the annual Easter feast, carrying on a tradition that had been in his family for more than 100 years. He was an excellent chef and woodworker. He loved an early morning road trip and the reward of meticulously maintained cottages by the sea. He loved talking with folks and could tell a great story. He had a way of making friends with strangers, proudly sharing a recent accomplishment of one of his children or grandchildren, and telling one of his favorite tales.

George was exceptionally generous with customers and friends. It was not unusual for him to leave the dinner table to fill a grill tank, extend credit to a customer who was short on money, or accept fresh garden vegetables, baked goods or other items in trade for propane. Fiercely hard-working, George was always willing to lend a hand to someone who needed it.

George had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed woodworking, tackling projects around the house, boating, beekeeping, making candles and even raising farm animals. He loved spending time at his second home in Wells, Maine, as well as reading, traveling, being outdoors and grilling. George was the first of many McBrides to captain the Hillers high school football team, beginning a proud family tradition. He remained a lifelong football fan, especially when it came to Patriots Sundays spent with his family.

George’s greatest pride and joy was being a father, grandfather and, eventually, a great-grandfather. Growing up, his children could always count on him to bail them out of whatever trouble they had gotten themselves into, though they could usually expect a few “goddammits” along the way. His devotion to family was something he passed down to his children, along with the importance of hard work and knowing how to earn their keep. He leaves behind a family who will carry his stories, traditions and lessons with them for generations to come.

In addition to his wife, George is survived by his children, June Johnson and husband Keith of Worcester, George Joseph McBride III and wife Awn of Thailand, Daniel McBride and wife Janet of Pennsylvania, Denise Hildreth and husband Michael of Hopkinton, and Colin McBride and wife Whitney of Reading; as well as 15 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his siblings, June, John and Michael McBride.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 9-10:45 a.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton  A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hopkinton Fire Department, 73 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

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