William C. Gean, 97, a retired toolmaker, died Feb. 15 at Caritas Carney Hospital, Dorchester.
Born and raised in Ipswich, one of 14 children, he moved to Boston early in life to work as a cobbler. He then went to work as a toolmaker for Mason Neilon Regulator, in Dorchester Lower Mills, and remained with the company after its move to Norwood.
Mr. Gean enjoyed fishing, golfing and traveling, and was a sports enthusiast.
Known as “Grampy,” he gave of his time, money and heart to all who knew him, but especially to his four grandsons following the deaths of their own fathers. He was a constant presence in their lives. His charm, wit and the ever-present, mischievous twinkle in his eyes will be sorely missed.
Husband of the late Anna M. (Shea) Gean, he is survived by a daughter, Margaret “Peg” Ryan, of Plymouth; his grandchildren, James D. Ryan, of Hollywood, Fla., Michael W. Ryan, of Sandwich, Shaun W. Gean, of Quincy, and Christian S. Gean, of Hingham; a daughter-in-law, Anne Marie Gean, of Hingham; his great-grandchildren, John M. Ryan and Colleen E. Ryan, both of Sandwich; and his siblings, Irene Geanakakis, George Geanakakis, Jim Geanakakis and Connie Gean.
He was the father of the late William “Billy” Gean.
A funeral service was held in St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, Braintree, on Feb. 19. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.
Donations may be made to Caritas Carney Hospital ICU, 2100 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124.
Arrangements were by the Dolan Funeral Home.