Mr. George Anton Chellar – husband of Bawani Chellar, loving father of Subo and Taras, admired father-in-law of Joseph Rayappu and June Chellar, and doting grandfather of Lauren, Daphne, and Courtney Rayappu and Anders Chellar – peacefully passed away at his home in Ashland, Massachusetts on Wednesday March 20th, 2024 in the evening surrounded by his family.
He was born on May 12th, 1937 on the coronation day of King George VI. Appropriately, he was named George as he was the sixth child of the late Bernard A. Chellar and Mary Mildred. He finished his primary education at St. Peter’s College in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He went on to graduate from London University with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and furthered his education with a Master’s degree from Monmouth College.
George was married for 63 years to his beloved wife, Bawani Chellar. They were married in Jaffna, Sri Lanka and moved to London, England where they started their family. They migrated to Halifax, Canada, before settling in the United States in Ashland, Massachusetts where they called home for 44 years with their children Subo and Taras.
In their Ashland home, George and Bawani were proud to host many gatherings including fondly remembered bbqs, get-togethers, brunches, birthdays, family reunions, and weddings. Their door was always open to family and friends for either a quick visit to chat, or an extended stay.
George’s passion for history and culture extended to his world travels including Argentina, Australia, the Caribbean, Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Vietnam and throughout Europe and North America. Amongst his travel buddies were his siblings and dear friend, Ragu Martyn. They had memorable tales to tell of these adventures.
George had many hobbies such as fishing, gardening, learning languages and keeping up with current events. He loved helping others. He sponsored many people throughout his life to come to the United States and Canada, for which they acknowledge and are very grateful.
George is predeceased by his loving siblings William (UK), Edwin (IRE), Clarence (Sri Lanka), Rita Andrews (UK), Edward (USA), Peter (UK), Matthew (USA), and Bernard (UK). He is survived by his dear sisters Marcella Ponniah (CA) and Shirley De Souza (UK), and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
George will be forever missed, but his legacy will live on through his family and friends. With his calm spirit and wise demeanor, may he be reunited with his brothers and sister in Heaven. May his soul rest in peace.
Family and friends will honor and remember George’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Sunday, April 7 th from 11-2PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning, April 8 th in St. Bridget Church, 830 Worcester Rd. Framingham at 10 o’clock. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made in George’s name to the Palmera organization, an Australian based charity operating in Sri Lanka. Donations page here: https://palmera.org/george/
To share a memory with the Chellar family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com
Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home