Hanover, NH – August 7, 1938 – October 4, 2025
John Edward Whitcomb was born on August 7, 1938, in Lancaster, New Hampshire, to Gertrude and Edward Whitcomb. He passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2025, at age 87 surrounded by his family.
John earned a degree in Engineering from Wentworth Institute. In 1961, he married Judy Simpson of Piermont, NH. After living briefly in Burlington, VT, and Buffalo, NY, he began his long career with Granite State Electric in Salem, NH, in 1963. In 1975, he transferred to the Lebanon office where he was a hydroelectric engineer. Granite State eventually became New England Power. John was an expert on the dams of the Connecticut River and travelled frequently to each one from the Canadian border to Massachusetts. John was also a master electrician and could fix most anything. He built their family home in Hanover (where they lived for 49 years) from the ground up, a lasting testament to his skill and determination.
John and Judy retired early and enjoyed skiing, sailing, and traveling the world. Together, they visited all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces, and most continents.
Family meant everything to John. He was actively involved in the lives of his granddaughters, attending countless school events, sports activities, and even violin concerts-despite the violin being among his least favorite instruments.
Skiing was one of John’s greatest passions. He skied at 123 different ski areas across North America and Europe, surpassing his goal of visiting one hundred. John learned to ski at Prospect Mountain in Lancaster and served on ski patrol at Cannon, his favorite mountain. His involvement with Ford Sayre Ski Council reflected his passion. He not only taught skiing but was instrumental in bringing a poma lift to Oak Hill in the 1970s, before the program moved to Dartmouth Skiway. John and Judy were regulars at the Skiway and active participants in a close-knit circle of après-ski gatherings that lasted for decades.
In 2000, John joined the Hanover Improvement Society, where his technical knowledge played an important role in maintaining the facilities and dam at Storrs Pond. He was also an avid student of World War II history and a supporter of veterans. More recently, he enjoyed participating in the Upper Valley Railroad Club.
John was a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Judy; his son, John Jr., daughter-in-law Lynn (née Beaulieu), and granddaughter Phoebe of Newburyport, MA; his daughter, Joanna of Hanover, NH; granddaughters Sophia of Colorado and Helena of Ottawa, and Bill Mlacak of Paris.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Kate-Lyn Covell and Dr. Adam Schwartz for their compassionate care and support. In accordance with John’s wishes, a private ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s memory to the Hanover Improvement Society, 57 South Main Street, Hanover, NH 03755 or Ford Sayre Ski Council, PO Box 471, Hanover, NH 03755.
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