George B. Jabre Jr.

Northwood - George Benedict Jabre, Jr., 71, of Northwood, NH, died peacefully December 3, 2025 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a battle with cancer.

Born April 21, 1954, in Dover, NH, George was the son of George B. Jabre, Sr. and Shirley A. (Larrabee) Jabre Corley. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1973, where he played football and was a member of the band.

Shortly after his graduation, George enlisted in the United States Air Force. By 1977, George had been appointed a noncommissioned officer at the rank of sergeant. He was subsequently commissioned, rising to the rank of captain by his retirement in 1993. George was stationed in Madrid, Spain; London, England; Little Rock, AR; and Grand Forks, ND. He was the first airman in Air Force history to qualify as an emergency actions controller for three major air commands simultaneously. Among George's decorations were the Armed Forces Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Humanitarian Service Medal.

In his free time, George earned his B.S. in business from the University of Maryland, University College, and his M.S. in management from Troy State University. While still serving in the military, he followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps as a business owner, including the celebrated 'Til 21 Club in Grand Forks. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, George transitioned to the private sector, where he excelled as a people-first manager and executive. At JLG Industries (later USTC, Incorporated) in York, PA, he was known for being just as comfortable on the shop floor as he was in the sales office. He was particularly proud of the industry-innovating Tailgator. Following a move to Portec Industries in Toledo, OH, he showcased his out-of-the-box thinking by spearheading an initiative to repurpose their conveyor-belt production equipment to instead produce softball bats used by athletes, including the United States women's national softball team. After returning home to New Hampshire, he continued his successes in production management and consulting for a number of local and regional companies, before finally retiring (again) in 2022. As if all this glorious achievement wasn't enough, George maintained that his greatest joy remained his son, Jarrod. George was an enthusiastic supporter of Jarrod during his professional theatre career, into becoming a fourth-generation business owner, and Jarrod's ordination into the clergy.

Later in life, George reunited with his high school sweetheart, Debbie (Chase); they were married in 2008. They took many trips together over the years to Alaska, Hawaii, France, England, Italy, and more. George raised four collies – T.J., Fenway, Crystal, and Sophie – and loved them like children, referring to them as "the girls."

George is survived by his wife, Debbie Jabre; son, Jarrod Jabre; daughter-in-law, Ruth Jabre; Eli Beams; stepdaughter, Thais Dickerman; stepson-in-law, A.J. Dickerman; Luke and Charlie Dickerman; mother, Shirley Jabre Corley; sister, Susie Welch; special cousin Michael Lockhardt and his wife Dottie; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, George B. Jabre, Sr.; brother David Jabre; brother Shakrallah "Chick" Jabre; and daughter-in-law, Bethany Meissner.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Old Dogs Go to Helen Senior and Hospice Sanctuary in Epsom, NH, or Dog Mountain/Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 12, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home & Crematory, 77 Exeter Road (Route 108), Newmarket, NH. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Father (Abouna) Jebrael Moussallem, of St. George Maronite Catholic Church, officiating.

Burial with military honors will take place in the spring at a location to be announced.