George H. Herbert

George Henry Herbert was born July 22nd, 1925, son of Clayton Earl Herbert I and Amy Morse Herbert of Littleton. On Tuesday, November 25th, he succumbed to cancer, surrounded by his loving family at the home he built 62 years ago on Herbert Lane in Littleton. He was a US Coast Guard veteran, devoted husband and father, and was a widely known and respected contractor-builder and founder-owner of Littleton Millwork on Lafayette Avenue, producing custom and restorative architectural woodwork for use throughout the northeast.

The family of Clayton Herbert resided first on North Main Street, where George was born, and also on Lafayette Avenue, before they purchased the family home on Bryan Street, where George and his two brothers grew up. The three boys attended Apthorp School and Littleton High School. Before his senior year was barely begun, however, George entered military service, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard from October 1943 to April 1946. His brother Clayton served in the Navy and Joe in the Army.

During military service, in the final years and months of WWII, George attended several schools, including Radar Operator School, which became his specialty. He served in the Pacific arena aboard the USCGC Campbell which had the distinction of being one of the first ships to enter Tokyo Bay after the Japanese surrender. The Campbell was one of the only ships to ram and sink a German U-Boat during the war. George was proud of his service and attended many Campbell reunions.

Following war's end and his return to Littleton, George worked as a carpenter for local builders, eventually establishing his own business as a contractor-builder. He built his own house off the former Ladd Road, which became the first house of many within the development that would later become named Herbert Lane. George married Blanche Agnes Lemire, of South Street in Littleton, and the couple moved into that house. A son was born the next year, followed by three daughters, and still later the family was joined by Blanche's nephew. Later, George built several more houses within the development Morrison Hill Drive, and in various other locations throughout Littleton and surrounding area.

During his years as a builder, George saw the trend grow toward the use of mass-produced moldings and such, some made out of materials which were not even wood. However, George recognized there was a demand for those who still possessed the expertise, experience and machinery to construct, replicate or restore the more traditional designs with authentic local woods.

George was widely recognized and respected at his craft. Though he had only the background of correspondence courses in architecture and drafting, he was looked up to and admired as a master of his art by many with more advanced education. Littleton Millwork is now managed by George's son-in-law, Mitch Greaves, who aptly carries on his legacy. It thrives, still serving clients all over New England, and is currently staffed by 24 employees.

In his spare time, likely a result of his time in the Coast Guard, George was an armchair historian of naval history. He was greatly interested in the history of the Revolutionary, Civil and World Wars. Not surprisingly, he had a great interest in architectural history, and also in genealogical research for the family. George was renowned as a storyteller and he loved to tell stories of what he had learned during his historical research. His children know of his skill in telling fictional stories to entertain them, and others remember his tales of boyhood pranks, experiences in the Coast Guard, and of the people who touched his life.

After George's wife Blanche passed in 2007 after a long illness, he had the opportunity and great good fortune to find a second love in his life in Dottie Miles Pennock. They were married on October 18th, 2008, and he enjoyed the remaining years of his life in a very loving and supportive relationship. Dottie's children and extended family were a great comfort and support to him as well.

He was predeceased by his father, Clayton Herbert, mother, Amy Herbert, his wife Blanche Lemire Herbert, and brother, Joseph Herbert. He is survived by his wife, Dottie Miles Herbert, brother Clayton, son Steven and his partner Michelle Devost of St. Johnsbury, VT, by his three daughters, Gail Kimball and her husband Peter, Ellen Greaves and her husband Mitch, and Janice Nadeau, all of the Littleton area, and nephew Kevin Lemire and his partner Donna Whittum of Port Orange, Florida. George is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and grandchildren Matthew Collins, Lindsey Boscketti, Ethan Greaves, Luke Greaves, Ian Nadeau, Amy Nadeau, Brandon Lemire, Zachary Lemire, and Noah Lemire, and seven great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be Saturday, November 29th from 5 to 8 PM at Pillsbury-Phaneuf Funeral Home on Union Street in Littleton. A service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, November 30 at All Saints Episcopal Church on School Street, with a gathering following for those who wish to share informally their remembrances of George. A private internment will be conducted at a later date. A donation may be made in lieu of flowers to Second Chance Animal Rescue, 1517 Meadow Street, Littleton, NH 03561.