Reginald A. Maxwell

COLEBROOK — Mr. Reginald A. Maxwell, 88, of Colebrook, died on Thursday evening, Oct. 23, 2014, at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH, after struggling with a brief illness. Born in Chester, NH, on Dec. 12, 1925, he was the son of the late A. Arthur and Elsa (Mortensen) Maxwell. After attending Central High School in Manchester, Reggie joined the U.S. Navy as a gunner’s mate, and served with honor in the South Pacific during World War II. Reggie was a relentless improver, and he upgraded his family’s colonial-era home in Candia room-by-room, doing most of the work by himself. He spent most of his adult life working as a machinist in the Manchester area before his move to Colebrook where he found employment in the machine shop at the Tillotson Rubber Co for almost 30 years. During his years there, he served as president of the Dixville Benefit Club, overseeing that employee organization which aided all employees in times of loss and need. He was a designer, helper, builder and refinisher of things both wood and metal, with a boundless creative talent. After retiring, he volunteered at the North Country Community Recreation Center, where his talents as a Mr. Fix-It were well suited. Reg loved playing games and he always played to win. He and his family played many games of Pitch during the holidays with no quarter given or taken. He enjoyed baseball, especially the Red Sox, and he once attended a Fisher Cats game in person where he caught a foul ball, and which he promptly gave to a little girl in the row in front of him. He was a wonderful whistler and often gave away his location with that particular talent. He was a music lover of many genres, but especially enjoyed classic country & western. He was also an avid and rapid reader, and as such was often seen taking out and returning books at the Colebrook Library. Reggie also had a soft spot in his heart for dogs and cats of all varieties. He was also a well-traveled man, and he and his wife enjoyed their many trips with dear friends Frank & Claire Owen. He also enjoyed attending the theater, dancing, playing golf, and at one time had many radio-controlled airplanes. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jean (Harding) Maxwell of Colebrook; a son, Robin Maxwell and wife Irene of Colebrook; a daughter, Susan Sambito and husband Bill of Colebrook; two grandsons, Sabin Maxwell of Hooksett, NH, and Thomas Sambito of Portland, Me.; three sisters, Thelma Crocker of Virginia, and Janice & Linda Maxwell of Candia, NH; a dear brother-in-law, Chris Harding and wife Marge of Saco, Me; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a son, Dana Maxwell in 2008; a brother, Richard Maxwell; and a sister, Bea Young. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A memorial service will be held the next morning at the funeral home, Fri., Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Craig Cheney officiating. A committal service with military honors will immediately follow at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in Mr. Maxwell’s memory may be made to the NCCRC, 33 Rec Center Rd., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Reginald A. Maxwell

December 12, 1925 - October 23, 2014