Earl Anthony Obituary
Earl was born Jan. 5, 1925, in Worcester, Mass., to Willard and Helen Anthony. He spent his childhood years in Providence, R.I., and attended Hope High School before going on to study and play varsity football at Colby College and later Brown University.
A devoted husband, Earl married his wife, Elsie Yeaton, on Jan. 5, 1952.
Earl is survived by his wife, Elsie Anthony, of Eliot, Maine; his sister, Marion Wathey of Providence; his daughter, Lynn Tyler and her husband, Randolph Dales, of Wolfeboro; his daughter, Rebecca McGrail and her husband, Timothy McGrail, of Hampton; his daughter, Deborah Anthony and her husband, Robert Dawber, of Eliot; his son, Brad Jett and his wife, Penny Jett, of Hampton; 10 grandchildren, Steven, John, Robert, Jacqueline, Sean, Ryan, Keith, Scott, Matthew and Jamen; and two great-granddaughters.
WE REMEMBER: Earl served the U.S. Navy as a pilot during World War II, flying the Grommet Avenger. He also competed for the U.S. Navy's varsity wrestling and football teams. After leaving the Navy, Earl flew for American Airlines for more than 35 years and 1 million miles, retiring as a senior captain in 1985.
Earl and Elsie were longtime residents of the Hampton area before retiring in Wolfeboro. In Hampton, Earl was an active member of the school board and the Hampton Theatre Group. In North Hampton, he was a founding and active member of the Ambulance and Rescue Squad. In Wolfeboro, Earl owned and ran a small sailing business, but devoted the bulk of his time to his family. Kindhearted and accomplished, he was a true gentleman.
Throughout his life, Earl remained a dedicated and loving father and grandfather. Blessed with three daughters, he and Elsie also welcomed many foster children into their home. Earl's passions included horses, sailing, sports, politics, painting and the daily crossword.
SERVICES: A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Wolfeboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1 Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 105, Bedford, NH 03110. Lord's Funeral Home of Wolfeboro is in charge of arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Seacoast Online.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 2, 2013
A friend from your past Elsie. Shocked when I read about Earl. My condolences to all the family. Dolores Paiva
Jerome
January 2, 2010
He was a special man, with a special family. Old football players don't die, they just play for a different team on a better field.
December 30, 2009
Becky, Tim, Elsie and Family,
We are saddened by the loss of a dear man, husband and father. Remembering times in Wolfboro are precious to us.
Bill and Joyce McGrail
John Jett
December 30, 2009
Grandpa's legacy will live on forever and our memories of him will last a lifetime. He was a loving man who placed his family first and as he is in the Heavens above, he will continue to guide us all in our lives forever.
We love you Grandpa. :O)
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December 29, 2009
I just learned of Earl's passing. My Deepest Heart Felt Feelings to the Anthony family. I have such fond memories of Earl at the wolfboro home on the lake.
With Much Love and caring, John J Hourihan
Bob Dawber
December 28, 2009
I have this image of Earl stepping up to the gates of heaven. Opening the gate, Saint Peter says "welcome" Earl, being Earl, replies, "Why, after you"
When I met my wife only two people shared the afternoon with me without an effort to try to figure me out-one was my wife (years later) and the other her dad-Earl. While others looked at the clothes I wore, the words I used, the manners I may or may not have shown, Earl was simple in his conversation-Red Sox, Flying and me. And me. That is Earl, isn't it. A man who always placed others first and made you feel good about you.
I wish I were more like Earl Anthony.
There is a song by Bruce Cockburn call "Southland of the Heart"
I heard it today and thought of Earl.
It is about God opening His arms and telling you, after a world of struggle has made you weary-God telling you to come rest in His arms. One of the verses reads:
In the southland of the heart
Where the saints go lazily
Lie down
Take your rest with me
Rest well Earl, then, after your rest, enjoy Heaven. If anyone deserve that, it is you.
Tony Salzarulo
December 28, 2009
My sympathy to your family during this time of loss.
December 28, 2009
Winter nights are quiet.
The bagpipe is lonely.
The setting sun is love
Tomorrow we weep
Not for you, for us
You are free
In God’s garden
Spring rain is new
The Oboe floats
The rising sun is hope
Tomorrow we weep
Not for you, for us
You are free
In God’s garden
Summer is spirit
The violin dances
The midday sun is play
Tomorrow we weep
Not for you, for us
You are free
In God’s garden
Autumn is family
The voice is passion
The full moon is dream
Tomorrow we weep
Not for you, for us
You are free
In God’s garden
James McGrail
December 28, 2009
Thinking of you all at this time of loss. He was truely a great man and as I reflect, I feel extremely fortunate to have so many fond memories of him from my childhood.
Laura McGrail
December 27, 2009
Becky,Tim, Elsie and Family
I am so sorry to hear Earl's passing.
I have alot of fond memories.
One of the best was how Mr. Anthony
arranged for my sister and I to be in a
horse show at the Carters house where
I got to have my first carriage ride.
He was a wonderful man. Always happy to see you. He will be missed. My thoughts are will you.
Love Laura McGrail
Jay Halloran
December 27, 2009
Becky, Tim, Elsie, Steve, Sean and Scott.
We're so sorry to hear about Earl's passing. As hard as it is to internalize the knowledge that you won't see him again in this life, I'm sure you're at peace knowing that he's now with God and is himself at peace.
We always enjoyed the times we visited your parents' homes in North Hampton and Wolfboro. They always made you feel so welcomed.
One thing we'll always remember and admire about Earl and Elsie was their kind hearts - in addition to sharing their love with their own children, they opened their home and gave their love to so many foster children over the years.
May the wounds of loss be comforted with all the wonderful memories of Earl.
Our love,
Kathe and Jay Halloran
Julie McDaniel
December 27, 2009
Aunt Becky, Uncle Tim and my cousins Steven, Sean and Scott -
I'm so sorry to hear about Earls passing. I did not know him well, but knew he loved his family.
I'm reminded of a story (when I was 2 years old) of the time we visited his stable. My Dad was holding me in his right arm while we were looking at the horses. All of a sudden a bird swooped low and spooked Guinevere. She lunged forward and bit my Dad's left arm. Luckily I was safe from harm, but my Dad got a huge bruise. It's funny to look back on, but since then, I approach horses very cautiously.
Love you all,
Julie Halloran McDaniel
Steve and Amy Halloran
December 27, 2009
Becky and Family,
We were saddened to hear about your Dad. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lorraine McGrail
December 27, 2009
Becky, Tim and Elsie - my deepest sympathy - Earl was a wonderful man and I'm sure he'll be missed greatly.
Melissa Stevens
December 25, 2009
Dearest Becky, Elsie, Tim & Family,
Wishing I could be there with you during this time. No doubt we have lost a great man. My thoughts are with you.
Love, Melissa
Mary Shea Holt
December 25, 2009
Lynn & Elsie, I am so sorry to hear about Earl. He was a man with a very kind heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 24, 2009
Deb,
So sorry to hear about your Dad.
Our thoughts and our prayers will be with you and your family through these hard times.
Ron, Jody, and Tracey
Michelle Irvin
December 24, 2009
I wish there was something to say to ease the pain of your loss....My memories of your dad and all the times spent with him and your family through the years are awesome. He always had room for another "errant" teenager in his home. Even when his memory was starting to fail, he was able to remember with great detail some of our escapades that we hoped noone would still recall!
Your dad was a man of integrity who demonstrated love, loyalty, and character to those whose lives he touched. He will be missed.
Brad Jett
December 24, 2009
I am who I am today because of the profound effect that my dad has had on my life. What a wonderful and inspiring role model that I was fortunate enough to be blessed with through my adolescent and adult years. I will cherish my memories forever.
Brad & Penny Jett
December 24, 2009
Earl Anthony was a man of integrity and honor, whose whole passion in life was the wellbeing of his family. Earl Anthony was a gentle, loving giant that will forever influence our lives.
December 23, 2009
Deb we are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Jim and Donita St John
Joyce Herrmann
December 23, 2009
My sincere sympathy to Deb and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and hope that you may find comfort knowing that your friends are thinking and caring about you at this time.
Deb Anthony
December 23, 2009
He was a wonderful man. He gave all that he had to his family, a truly rich and special person. I am proud to have been his daughter. Thanks to everyone who has signed this book. Deb
Erin Maurer
December 22, 2009
My husband's grandparents, Earl and Elsie Anthony, were my Norman and Ethel Thayer. I remember meeting them both for the first time in 1993 at their beautiful house on Lake Winnipesaukee. He was magic. They were magic together. Sending warm thoughts to all who loved him, especially to Becky. See you soon. Love, Erin
George & Patty Rice
December 22, 2009
Our sympathy goes to all the family, especially Brad and Penny and Deb, who are close to us. In time the fond memories will prevail over the pain of the loss of your Dad.
jennifer lermer
December 22, 2009
Thinking of you all at this tough time.I worked for Haven Health Care for awhile, and understand how painful this is for everyone. I lost my Dad(Walter) nine years ago. Stick together. Sincerely, Jennifer Lermer
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