Earl Robert Jette

1939 - 2024

Earl Robert Jette

Lebanon, NH - Earl Robert (Bob) Jette, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on December 17, 2024 at the Jack Byrne Center after a courageous battle with Dementia. He was born on May 11th, 1939, in Lebanon, New Hampshire to Adrian and Regis Jette. He married Sheila Griggs February 17th, 1962.

Earl graduated from Lebanon High school in 1957. He lettered in Track & Field, where he set the state long jump record. He went on to study Forestry at the University of Maine, as well as Yale University where he earned his Master of Forestry and Administration Degree.

A man whose love & respect for the outdoors defined his life, Earl leaves behind a legacy of adventure and deep appreciation for nature's beauty.

His lifelong connection to the natural world began at an early age. He was a passionate explorer who spent much of his life hiking, fishing, hunting in the wilderness, and traveling. Perhaps his most celebrated accomplishment was summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 75 yrs. old, an accomplishment that illuminated his unstoppable drive and enthusiasm for life.

Earl's love for the outdoors was not just personal but deeply intertwined with his professional life. His career began at the Firestone Rubber Plantation in Harbel, Liberia West Africa, as a divisional Superintendent. He and Sheila started their family there where 4 of their 5 children were born before returning to the United States.

His career at Dartmouth College began in 1970 as the Assistant to the Executive Director of the Dartmouth Outing Club, later retiring as the Director of Outdoor Programs and Executive Director of the Dartmouth Outing Club after 30 years of involvement. Along the way, he inspired and coached countless students to explore the outdoors and to design & execute a variety of projects throughout the programs. His passion for introducing others to the joys of wilderness exploration was contagious.

Earl was a member of Sacred Heart parish where he served on the Social Committee and Pastoral council. He served on the City of Lebanon Conservation committee, and supported many local organizations.

He shared several memorable trips with his grandchildren exploring the Dartmouth College Grant, Skiing at Loon Mountain, and vacationing on Cape Cod. He was active with their school trips and supported their athletic sports teams, as he did with his own children.

Earl leaves behind his five children, Glenn Jette, Laura Townsend, Lisa Godfrey (Keith), Douglas Jette, and Daniel Jette (Elizabeth). 12 grandchildren, Michelle Alveranga (Andy), Alyssa Jette, Justin Jette (Kiwi), Emily Godfrey, Grace Godfrey, Cassidy Townsend, Lucas Townsend, Megan Jette, Paige Jette, Sarah Geller (Henry), Hannah Jette, and Rebekah Jette. Five great grandchildren, Olivia, Theodore, Arlo, Esme, & Josephine, His brother Jim Jette (Diane), sisters Anne Jette, and Marguerite (Peg) Baliko, sister-in-law Rosemary Dimascola, sister-in-law Mary Griggs, many nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Sheila, his brother-in-law Rudy Baliko, brother-in-law Edmund Griggs, and his parents, Adrian and Rejis Jette.

The family would like to thank the Jack Byrne center for their compassionate and excellent care of Earl in his last days.

Family and friends are invited to Earl's calling hours at Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Friday, December 27th from 5 to 7 PM. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday December 28th at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree, climb a mountain, go for a ski, explore new food, or just take a moment to enjoy nature.

In Earl's words, "It's been a good run".

An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Earl's family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com