Anthony Jabar Sr.

WATERVILLE – Anthony Jabar Sr., 91, of Zephyrhills, Fla., and Waterville, 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.

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 until we cried. He may not have known our names, but there is no doubt he ‘knew’ us – especially Marlene.

Tony was born Jan. 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.

Tony met Marlene in the seventh 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 a year and a half 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.

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, Fla. The Kimela neighborhood became his second family.

Tony was extremely proud of his five children; Jan and Mike Riley of Williamstown, N.J., Tony Jr. of Dillon, Mont., Jody and David Veilleux of Waterville, Mary Jo and Jim Hodgkin of Leeds, and sister Michele Jabar of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.

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 and Ramon Zarate, Matt and Sara Riley, Erin and Bobbie Poller, David and Michelle Veilleux, Dylan and Jane Veilleux, Anthony Jabar III, Kellyn and Dan Torcasio, Jaime and Tom Cooper, Jessica Hodgkin, Cody Veilleux, Ben Hodgkin and Jake Hodgkin. As well as 12 great-grandchildren; RAZ, Taylor, Jack R., Althea, Cora, Callan, Cameron, Connor, Cole, Carter, Jack C. and Tatyana.

Tony is also 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 and Paul Jabar, sister Teresa Lee and brothers-in-law Charles Hurd, Ted Santos, and Earl Lee, sisters-in-law Margaret, June and Jackie Jabar.

Family and friends are invited to his Memorial Service on August 10, at the Colby Chapel in Waterville at 10:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow in the Parker Reed Room in the Alumni Center at Colby College.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services, Farmington, Maine. A complete obituary and online condolences may be expressed at https://www.dsfuneral.com/obituaries/anthony-jabar-sr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimers Association, or to a charity of your choosing.