GILMANTON ---- George D. Relf, 88, sadly passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, due to complications from a short illness at Concord Hospital, Concord, NH.
George was born on December 4, 1937, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Thomas Jarvis and Alieda (Steenman) Relf, the youngest of six children.
George went on to join the military during his final year of high school after fulfilling all the requirements to receive his diploma and proudly served in the Air Force's 57th Air Division from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1960. During his time in service, he worked as an Aircraft Radio Repairman and Radio Circuit Analyst, earning recognition for his dedication and skill. In September of 1958, he received the Airman Achievement Award, being named Outstanding Airman, followed by the Good Conduct Medal in 1959 for his exemplary conduct throughout his first three years of active duty.
After finishing his military service, he obtained his journeyman’s license in 1976 and quickly advanced to Master Electrician. His most rewarding role was as the Electrical Foreman for the State of New Hampshire Administrative Services, a position he held until his retirement in 2002.
Throughout his life, George found joy in playing cribbage with his dear friend Lindsay, affectionately called PH. Together with Mike Smith, they formed a trio reminiscent of the three musketeers, embarking on countless adventures in Pittsburg and at PH’s camp by the Second Connecticut Lake. George also cherished fishing for brook trout and dedicated much of his time to gardening, generously sharing his harvest with family and friends. As a passionate golfer, he took on the role of starter at Pheasant Ridge during the summers after retiring, where patrons enjoyed his stories and friendly banter. He regularly joined friends Ray, Joe, and Scotty for Thursday golf outings, and also filled his retirement days with daydreaming of winning the lottery and buying a farm, cooking, watching sports, and hitting the gym. In recent years, The Zoo (Concord) became a second home for him, where he made it a point to connect with friends like Ann, Denise, Jim, Mike, and Mo throughout the week.
George will be fondly remembered for his wisdom, quick-witted humor, and heartfelt kindness, which endeared him to everyone around him. His deep affection for family shines through in cherished memories, particularly the tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve with his son David, alongside countless joyful moments shared with family, close friends, and adored pets—Snoopy, Hunter, KC, Paris, and Lily. His passing on Marathon Monday serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable strength he exhibited until the very end. This day, synonymous with endurance and determination, truly reflects the spirit he embodied throughout his life. George's remarkable journey will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he inspired.
George is survived by his son David Relf and his wife Paige; daughter Kristine (Zinn) Davenport and her husband Todd; son Dirk Zinn and his significant other Christara “Star” Saini; and his brother William “Bill” Relf. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Madison and Elizabeth Relf, Jayden Doucette, Aleeya Metevier, Ryan and Corey Davenport, and Ehren Zinn. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by four of his siblings Thomas, Joseph, Rosemary, and Alfred.
There will be no calling hours.
A Graveside Service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.
The family would also like to extend their gratitude to all that came and visited him at the hospital and especially for the support of our neighbors Tracy and Steve.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.