G. Arthur Danforth Jr.

G. Arthur Danforth Jr., 98 of York, ME passed away Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 from complications due to coronavirus.  He was born June 9th, 1922 in Manchester, NH, son of the late G. Arthur Sr. and Florence (Jarvis) Danforth.  He graduated Manchester Central High School and then attended UNH.  Prior to graduation, he enlisted in the Navy where he served in hospitals in San Diego and San Francisco, achieving the rating of Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class during WWII.  He was extremely proud of his naval service.  Upon his discharge in 1946, he returned to Manchester, where he attended St. Anselm’s College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Later he received his MBA in Education from Salem State College.  He taught in the Junior High and coached in Derry, NH from 1947-1949.  He married Jeanne Bernardin of Lawrence, MA in 1951.

He was a lifelong resident of Andover, MA where he taught science at Andover Jr. High, Punchard High, and finally Andover High School.  At AHS he was promoted to Science Department Head where he built a team of teachers that are loved by the Andover community to this day.  He dedicated his life to continuing education in young people and always tried to use science to solve day to day household challenges.  Upon retirement in 1982 he built a home in York and settled there with Jeanne (wife) to enjoy retirement.  He enjoyed boating, gardening and woodworking.   He also enjoyed the theater and attended many productions at North Shore Music Theater during his years as a teacher.  An avid Boston sports fan, he almost never missed a Patriots or Red Sox game.

He leaves two sons, G. Arthur Danforth III of North Andover, and Stephen J. Danforth and his wife Cynthia of Raymond, NH.  Three grandchildren, Jennifer McMahan (husband Eric) of North Carolina, Stephen Danforth II of Salem MA, Stephanie Danforth of York ME, and one great granddaughter Cora Lynn, daughter of Jen and Eric of North Carolina.  He was predeceased by wife Jeanne, daughter Susan E. Danforth of South Portland ME, sisters Frances Martin and Anne McNamara both of Manchester NH.

Funeral services will be held privately.  Burial will be held in the First Parish Cemetery, York, Maine.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Anselm’s College in Manchester NH.

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