A Life Richly Lived: Remembering Burt Meyer

The Boston area, a community he loved and served with such unwavering dedication, is collectively pausing to mourn the passing of Burt Meyer, who left us peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the age of 88. You know, some people just have a way of touching everyone they meet, and Burt was absolutely one of those rare souls. He wasn't just a name; he was a presence, a mentor, a storyteller, and a constant source of quiet strength.

Burt was, to put it simply, a true local legend, perhaps best known for his long and distinguished career as a history teacher and an absolutely beloved football coach at Northwood High School. For over three decades, he wasn't just teaching dates and battles; he was igniting a passion for the past in young minds, making history leap off the pages and come alive. His classroom was a place of lively debate, thoughtful questions, and, quite often, a good hearty laugh. Beyond the textbooks, though, he was shaping character on the football field, instilling discipline, teamwork, and that all-important spirit of never giving up. Countless former students and players will tell you, Burt taught them far more than just Xs and Os or the causes of World War I; he taught them about life itself.

Before dedicating his life to education, Burt bravely served his country in the Korean War. That experience, though he rarely spoke of its horrors, undoubtedly shaped the compassionate and resilient man he became. It instilled in him a deep sense of duty and an appreciation for peace that he carried throughout his days. After his military service, he returned home, earning his degree from Boston University, a place he always spoke of fondly, before embarking on his teaching journey.

Beyond the classroom and the gridiron, Burt’s greatest joy, without a doubt, was his family. He was the devoted husband of Mary (née O’Connell) for an incredible 63 years—a love story for the ages, truly. Their partnership was a beautiful example of commitment and mutual respect. He was also a loving father to Susan (and her husband, David Jenkins) and Michael Meyer (and his wife, Sarah). The role he cherished perhaps most of all, however, was that of 'Grandpa Burt' to his five adoring grandchildren: Emily, Jacob, Chloe, Liam, and Noah. He delighted in their achievements, big or small, and his eyes would light up whenever they were near. Family gatherings were always filled with his gentle humor and, of course, a few well-worn but always cherished stories from his past.

Those who knew Burt best remember him for his genuine kindness, his ready smile, and an uncanny ability to offer just the right piece of advice exactly when you needed it. He was an active member of his church community, always volunteering, always lending a hand. His presence will be deeply, deeply missed by his entire family, his many friends, former colleagues, and the countless students whose lives he so profoundly touched. He truly left the world a better, brighter place just by being himself.

A wake will be held on [Insert Date - e.g., Friday, November 28th] from 4-7 PM at [Insert Funeral Home Name - e.g., O'Malley Funeral Home, 123 Main St, Boston]. A funeral service to celebrate Burt’s remarkable life will take place on [Insert Date - e.g., Saturday, November 29th] at 10 AM at [Insert Church Name - e.g., St. Francis Church, 456 Oak Ave, Boston], followed by burial at [Insert Cemetery Name - e.g., Evergreen Cemetery]. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Burt’s memory to the Northwood High School Athletic Department, a cause that was always so close to his heart. It’s a fitting tribute, really, to a man who gave so much.