Anthony Jabar Sr. Obituary (1932 - 2023)

Anthony Jabar Sr., 91, of Zephyrhills, FL and Waterville, ME, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2023 at Woodlands Memory Care in Waterville, with Marlene, his wife of 69 years by his side. It seems only fitting that this man who was indeed a father figure to so many should leave us on Father’s Day. He was the most kind and loving person - both a gentleman and a gentle man. We called him Tony, Dad, Uncle Tony, but mostly he loved being “Grampy”. For the last two years we have had the good fortune to spend much more time with Dad. Even though his dementia worsened, his spirit and humor never did. He played piano, danced with us, talked - non-stop sometimes, and made us laugh - often til we cried. He may not have known our names, but there is no doubt he ‘knew’ us - especially Marlene. Tony was born January 17, 1932 to George and Amelia Jabar. The sixth child in a family of eight, he was raised in a traditional Lebanese family in “The Head of Falls” area of Waterville. He was raised with the understanding that family was first and education was imperative. He taught us those values as well as integrity, honesty, kindness, and giving to others. The Lebanese community was an integral part of his upbringing and he instilled that sense of pride and loyalty in all of his children and grandchildren. He and his brothers spent countless hours at the Boys Club. He went on to play three sports but his love was basketball. Tony would go on to be a standout on the Wtvl basketball team. As a junior the team would win the Maine State Championship and go on to the New England Tournament held at the Boston Garden. Though they lost in the first game against Somerville, MA, he was the first player ever to be selected to the All New England Team after playing in only one game. Sports writers and fans alike were amazed at his talent: “Words don’t describe a player like Tony Jabar adequately. It’s hard to believe your eyes even when watching him. That’s how good he is”. Boston Globe: March 18, 1949. He then went on to Colby College where he continued his basketball career, being selected as Captain in his senior season. Tony met Marlene in the 7th grade and then began a love story that would last nearly 79 years. They would date through high school and continue as a pair as they both went on to Colby College. After graduating with a degree in history, they married on June 20,1954. He entered the Army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, where their first daughter Jan was born. They spent one year in Germany but filled their time making lifelong friends and traveling throughout Europe. They developed a love for travel that would lead to many excursions over the years including a trip to Spain where they would meet up with their granddaughter Joni. Tony started his first teaching job in Auburn, Maine at Edward Little H.S. as a teacher and coach, kickstarting a 39 year career in education. He spent nine years at Wilton Academy where his basketball teams won nine straight Franklin County championships. Upon returning to Waterville he went on to teach at Waterville Junior High and coach at Waterville H.S. He loved coaching and most often could be found in the living room, books surrounding him, and a clipboard on his lap planning his offenses and writing his lesson plans until the early morning hours. With five children to raise, he and Marlene were a busy pair. It was rare that either of them would miss a game, concert, or parade, or any other of our events. Except of course during basketball season. Dad was a busy man. Summers, while we enjoyed the lake, Dad could be found painting in the Waterville schools. He helped run summer camps, taught us how to drive, swim, play piano, cook apple fritters, even how to dance. The older of us recall running in the basement halls at Wilton Academy while Dad ran practice. In between all this Dad somehow managed to earn his Master’s Degree in Education. He taught math at Waterville Jr High until they needed somehow to establish a new computer education course. He would go on to design the course and teach it, back when a computer class involved writing code using msdos. He never complained about work, except perhaps when he was standing out in the freezing cold watering the ice rink. There was little he wouldn’t do for his children, and his grandchildren. In 1994, Tony retired and he and Marlene headed to the warmth of Florida. No more cold and snow for him!! They spent their time golfing, enjoying visits from his children and grandchildren and entertaining his neighbors on Kimela Ave. in Zephyrhills, FL. The Kimela neighborhood became his second family. The family would like to thank all his Kimela friends for looking after him during his latter days in the neighborhood. Tony was extremely proud of his five children; Jan & Mike Riley of Williamstown, NJ, Tony Jr. of Dillon, MT, Jody & David Veilleux of Waterville, ME, Mary Jo & Jim Hodgkin of Leeds, ME and Sister Michele Jabar of Wappingers Falls, NY. He was also known to be the one holding the newest baby in the family. He loved the littlest ones and was often found playing with the toddlers that abounded in his large extended family. He was dearly loved as “Grampy” by 12 grandchildren; Joni & Ramon Zarate, Matt & Sara Riley, Erin & Bobbie Poller, David & Michelle Veilleux, Dylan & Jane Velleux, Anthony Jabar III, Kellyn & Dan Torcascio, Jaime & Tom Cooper, Jessica Hodgkin, Cody Veilleux, Ben Hodgkin & Jake Hodgkin. As well as 12 great-grandchildren; RAZ, Taylor, Jack R., Althea, Cora, Callan, Cameron, Connor, Cole, Carter, Jack C. & Tatyana. Besides his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Tony is survived by brothers Norman and Joe Jabar, sister Regina Santos, sisters-in-law Mary Hurd, Marge Jabar, Rene Jabar as well as a multitude of loving nieces and nephews. Many of those nephews being named after him. Tony was predeceased by his parents as well as brothers Herb, John & Paul Jabar, sister Teresa Lee and brothers-in-law Charles Hurd, Ted Santos, & Earl Lee, sisters-in-law Margaret, June & Jackie Jabar. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sara and the ENTIRE staff at The Woodlands Memory Care facility who took such wonderful care of him. They were his family and he loved them as he did his own. A memorial service will be held August 10, at the Colby Chapel in Waterville at 10:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life at Colby’s Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimers Association, or to a charity of your choosing. https://act.alz.org › donate. Funeral Services are under the direction of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Services, Farmington, Maine. You may visit Anthony’s Memorial Page and leave a message at their website.