George "Captain George" Nebel, age 87, of Mantoloking, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025 after complications from a stroke.
Born on May 5, 1938, in Queens, New York, George's journey was one defined by service, ambition, and a lifelong devotion to his family. He was a proud graduate of the University of Rochester, earning a double degree in Engineering and English, where he met the love of his life, Nancy, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.
Following college, George served honorably as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. His professional career was marked by versatility and results-oriented leadership, including significant roles in manufacturing and operations with major corporations like Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, PepsiCo (where he developed and produced the world's first plastic soda bottle!), Milton Bradley, AMF, Hamilton-Beach/Proctor-Silex, and Gemini Industries.
George found his entrepreneurial stride when he purchased and led Roadmaster, Inc., a wheeled-goods and bicycle company that provided many a beach bike to the residents of Mantoloking. Upon selling the company, he poured his energy into a final, deeply personal project: planning and building his dream home. Completed in 1992, "the house that Roadmaster built" gave George and Nancy "a better view in '92," a cherished phrase that summed up their new chapter together.
George's true passion was the Jersey Shore community he loved. He served as Commodore of Mantoloking Yacht Club, a Town Councilman for 8 years, and then Mayor of Mantoloking for 12 years. He was also, good-naturedly, the flag-etiquette police for all boats in the harbor or passing by his house. George was an avid sailor who completed many northeast coast tours on his seafaring sailing vessel, Wombat.
It was in his role as Mayor of Mantoloking that George delivered his most enduring public legacy. Following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, it was through George's focused and tireless efforts that Mantoloking not only recovered but rebuilt better than ever. He was instrumental in securing the massive beach replenishment project that continues to protect the coastline to this day, ensuring the future of the cherished barrier island.
George is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, as well as his three children: sons Chris Nebel and Doug Nebel, and Doug's wife, Deb, and daughter Cathy Diehl and her husband, Sandy.
He is also survived by younger brothers, Hank Nebel (Katherine) and Ken Nebel (Judy). He was predeceased by his brother, Gene Nebel.
George was a proud grandfather to Geoffrey Diehl, Connor Doherty, Andrew Diehl (Chelsea) and Lindsay Wilson (Joe). He took great joy in his three great-grandchildren: Harper Diehl, Henry Wilson and James Wilson. His legacy of decisive leadership, generous spirit, and love for the sea will live on through them all.
A memorial service will be held at St. Simon-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Mantoloking on November 8, 2025, at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in George's name to Church of St. Simon by-the-Sea, PO Box 532, Mantoloking, NJ 08738. - https://www.stsimonbytheseamantoloking.org/support-us
Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com

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