Obituary: Geoffrey M. Fanning

Geoffrey M. Fanning, at 73
Retired Hull High School principal Geoffrey M. Fanning of Florida, formerly of Norwood, died Jan. 25. He was 73.
Dr. Fanning graduated in 1963 from Norwood High School, where he was a member of the football and hockey teams, earning awards and accolades for his athletic ability and leadership skills. He attended Bridgewater State College and earned a B.S. in education. While at BSC, he was a member of the football team, dominating in the positions of center and linebacker. In 2003, he was inducted into the BSC football Hall of Fame. A lifelong learner, he earned his M.Ed. from Suffolk University in 1980 and his Ph.D. from Boston College in 1996. 
Dr. Fanning served as the head football coach of Stoughton High School (1976-1979) and Stonehill College (1981-1982). His long career in education was capped by his appointment as superintendent of the Stoughton Public Schools. He retired after an interim appointment as principal of Hull High School, in 2002.
He and his wife moved to Boca Raton, Fla. He enjoyed summering in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and spending time with family and friends. An avid sports fan, he often enjoyed scoring the Red Sox games while he listened on the radio from his campsite. He was a Patriots season ticketholder for more than two decades and, during his retirement years, would scout out a local establishment in Palm Beach County to catch the Pats on a Sunday afternoon. His funeral was held last Saturday, one day before his beloved Patriots won their sixth Super Bowl.  
Memorial donations may be made to the BSU Alumni Association Football Fund, memo: Geoff Fanning, and mailed to P.O. Box 42, Bridgewater, MA 02324.