Had a great love of the outdoors
Published in the March 8, 2018 edition
NORTH READING — It is with indescribable sadness and heavy heart that we announce the passing of Henry Jalbert, 69, of North Reading. Henry passed away after a long illness on March 1, 2018 at the Union Hospital in Lynn with his family by his side.
Born in Salem, on September 8, 1948, he was the son of the late Henry and Virginia (Girard) Jalbert. Members of his family include his loving wife of 30 years, Melisa (Jurczak) Jalbert, and his children David Jalbert and Amy White, and grandchildren Joshua and Cameron White. Henry is also survived by four sisters, Linda Frary, Shirley Emerzian, Janet Keohane, and Eileen Jalbert; his father-in-law, Thomas Jurczak; brothers-in-law Matthew and Mark Jurczak, and nephews Mark and Daniel Jurczak.
Henry graduated from Danvers High School in 1967, where he excelled quite fearlessly at football. He was known as the quarterback who threw five touchdown passes to defeat Beverly High School at the annual Thanksgiving Day game.
After high school, Henry joined the Carpenter’s Union, Local 67 in Boston. There was a job in Lexington that required 100-foot walls, and Henry told his boss that he could do it. It was a job that no other contractors wanted to bid on. Henry got the job done, and with great success. Henry had the good fortune to meet the love of his life, Melisa, on this particular job and they started a loving relationship that flourished for 30 years.
Melisa shared Henry’s love for the great outdoors. They made so many wonderful memories, whether it was catching codfish off his boat “Miss Molly” in Gloucester or deer hunting in the wilds of Maine. Henry loved to garden, and he grew pumpkins so big that he won several blue ribbons at the annual Topsfield Fair.
Christmas was Henry’s favorite holiday. He took great pleasure in decorating his house, including the 20-foot Christmas tree in the living room. Henry’s festive Christmas decorations became a cherished landmark in town. Folks would come from all around to view the Christmas extravaganza beaming from his front window.
Henry’s life was filled with many accomplishments, but to put Henry’s life on paper would be a great challenge. To all who knew him, he was a man blessed with a gentle spirit, humor, great strength of character, thoughtfulness, and kindness, and he always had a heart to help others. Henry was a faithful servant of the Lord, and his family takes comfort in knowing that he now rests peacefully in heaven above.
Henry’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at the Trinity Evangelical Church in North Reading, on Saturday, March 17, at 10 a.m.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Henry’s memory to the Future Fisherman Foundation “Hooked on Fishing” Program in Augusta, Maine. This program uses angling skill development as a gateway to teach youth about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how to deal with the challenges facing them in their young lives. Checks can be made out to “Hooked on Fishing” and sent to: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, ATTN: Brittany Humphrey, 284 State Street, Augusta, ME.
Arrangements are under the care of Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich. To send a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com.
