PEABODY - Robert R. “Pete“ Jalbert, 86, of Peabody, formerly of Salem, husband of the late Claire J. (Hennessy) Jalbert, died Tuesday morning, February 24, 2015 at his residence following a long illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late George and Helena (LeBlanc) Jalbert and was a resident of Salem until moving to Brooksby Village in Peabody in 2009.
Pete was educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School class of 1948, where he was a star athlete. He was a co-captain of the football team, was a member of the basketball team, earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Miami and was inducted into the Salem High School Football Hall of Fame.
A Korean War veteran, Pete served in the Air Force, attaining the rank of Airman First Class. He was a life member of the D.A.V, Post 84 in Salem.
He was employed as an equipment technician for the New England Telephone Co., working in central offices throughout the North Shore, including Salem and Peabody before retiring in the late 1980's from the Lowell office, he was a member of the I.B.E.W., local 2321.
Pete was a talented woodworker and carpenter. He could build or fix just about anything. He was always making little wooden trinkets to give to family and friends. One of his pastimes was building dollhouses, some of which were used to raise funds for charity.
He is survived by his daughter, Carol Jalbert of Norton, a dear friend, Sherril White of Norton, many nieces and nephews, and his extended family of friends at Brooksby Village. A special thanks goes out to Susan Vitiello, LSW and Earline Martin for kindness, care and friendship extended to Pete during his illness. He was predeceased by his eight brothers and sisters, Alice Frye, Leo Jalbert, Raymond Jalbert, Theresa Marraffa, Roger Jalbert, Jeanette Eon, George Jalbert and Gertrude Bolduc.
His funeral service will be held Monday, March 2, 2015 at 9:30 AM from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. James Church. Visiting hours are Sunday from 2 to 5 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For on line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.