Feb. 18, 1946 ~ Dec. 6, 2024
Marlborough – George E. Halper, 78, of Marlborough, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, December 6th in Westborough, after a long illness.
George was born in Queens, New York, on February 18, 1946, and adopted by Pearl (Davidov) and Alfred Halper. Growing up, he spent time travelling with his parents to many tropical destinations, going to Camp Cedar in Maine in the summers, and attended Military School in Miami before graduating from Kingsley Hall School in Great Barrington, Mass, in 1964.
After spending a year at Curry College, George entered the workforce before enlisting in the United States Army National Guard and doing a tour of duty in Vietnam as a tank mechanic in 1968-1969. After his return, he met his wife, Diane, while socializing at the Melrose Hickory Hawks Ski Club in Glen, NH. They would enjoy sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee together before their marriage in July of 1976. He then worked as a Research and Development Technician at Bose in Framingham until his retirement.
A lover of all things nautical, George enjoyed being on the water, whether it be in a sailboat or a power boat. He spent much of his childhood on the ocean, and as an adult, the waves of Lake Winnipesaukee. It was there he enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the coves and bays with his family and teaching his children how, exactly, to pilot, dock, secure, re-secure (and re-re secure) the boat lines. He could, with fair accuracy, tell you the water depth at most points in the lake, and smoothly dock a boat in even the roughest conditions. He enjoyed many winters driving his snowmobiles on that lake and trail riding in northern New Hampshire. Ever fascinated with all types of motors, he could fix almost anything and had two of every tool he could find. “I have a tool for that,” was a favorite saying. He took pride in his vehicles and their care, sharing with his children, “90% of what you do with anything you own will be maintenance. Take care of your things and they will last.” He loved learning about people, was ever in search of answers to his favorite question, “Why?”, and was known for his stubbornness, quick wit, and humor.
Pre-deceased by his parents, he is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane (Brassard), his children Nicole Halper of Holden and Jeremy (Lauren) Halper of Marlborough, granddaughter Laney Halper, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. George is also survived by a half-brother, Craig (Patty) Aude of Racine Wisconsin, and a half sister, Leah Carter of Henrico, Virginia, both of whom he was able to connect with following a search for his birth families.
Visiting hours for George will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Buddy Dog Humane Society, Inc.(www.buddydoghs.org), or the American Parkinson Disease Association (www.adaparkinson.org).
