George B. Rehberg

George B. Rehberg passed away peacefully on the evening of September 26th, 2025, at the age of 96.

George was born on May 22, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of George W. Rehberg and Eva Tyler (Brophy) Rehberg. As a young teen, he would spend as much time as he could at FDNY Engine 278, where he ran errands and help clean the equipment. This was considered an honor, and the youths who did this were known as "buffs". He attended the Brooklyn High School for Trades, and after graduation joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving as a hospital ship corpsman. It was during this time while on leave in Philadelphia, he met his future wife, Helen Elizabeth Mann, affectionately known as Betty. He knew in short order that he wanted to be with her.

Betty and George married in 1953, and moved to Westbrook, Connecticut where they raised their three children. George held a variety of jobs, including the Connecticut Water Company, Chappell Express, R.R. Donnelly, New Haven Terminal/Texaco, and Wilcox Fuel Co. But his dream job finally came about when he was hired as a career firefighter at the Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London. A few years later, he transferred to the U.S. Submarine Base in Groton, where he became a proficient aerial ladder engineer. He retired from the Sub Base Fire Department in 1989.

In Westbrook, George was dedicated to service in the community. He joined the Westbrook Fire Department in 1952, rising to the rank of Chief for twelve years. He also served as a Deputy Fire Marshal, then Fire Marshal for many years. He was also one of the founders of the Westbrook Ambulance Association. As if this wasn't enough, he also served as a Westbrook Constable, a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Traffic Commission. Finally, he worked with a non-profit called The Bear That Cares, delivering goods to the needy from Maine to West Virginia.

George was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Betty. He is survived by his children, George James (Jimmy) of Middletown, Virginia Jane (Ginny) and her husband Jo-Jo Salami of Waltham, Massachusetts, and John Tyler and his wife Linda of Old Saybrook. Also his grandson Jason and his wife Wendy of Clinton, grandson Jordan of Old Saybrook, granddaughter Emma and her husband Ian Nora of Sarasota, Florida, grandson Garritt and his partner Miranda and her son Colton of Old Saybrook, and grandson Daniel of East Haven. He also has four great-granddaughters.

The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care that Dad received since November 2023 at Ocean Meadow Senior Living and Memory Care of Clinton. The management and staff there made his final years as comfortable as could be with their compassion and skills.

Calling hours for George will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., with a brief service at 2:30 p.m. at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. Following the service, all are welcome at the Westbrook Fire Station, 18 South Main Street, to share refreshments and memories of George's time with us.

Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory can be made to a childrens' charity of the donor's choice.