Freedom, NH

Albert “Al” Stanley Godfrey of Freedom, died Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, NH. He was born on February 1, 1928 at home on Swett Hill in Freedom, NH. Al was the eldest of four children born to John Payson Godfrey and Lillian Cole Godfrey. Al chose to raise his family and dedicate his life to his hometown.

Al graduated from the former Ossipee High School with the Class of 1946 and then enrolled at Keene State College. He chose to leave Keene State to serve in the United States Navy serving during the Korean Conflict. He served honorably from August 16, 1950 thru June 11, 1954 as an Armament Installer aboard the USS Leyte. Following his discharge from the Navy he began his 30 year career at New England Telephone beginning in 1955 as an Outside Plant Installer and retiring in 1985 as a Contract Work Inspector. 

His legacy was not to those accomplishments but to his family and his hometown. On October 20, 1956 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Godfrey, remaining married for 60 years until her death in 2016.

Albert and his wife Betty served the town in various elected and appointed positions for many years. Albert served as Selectman from 1955 thru 1978, as Tax collector from 1988 to 1993, as Supervisor of Checklist from 1989 to 2010 and on the Zoning Board of adjustment from 1989 to 1990. The Town Report for 2010 was dedicated to his 45 years of service to the town. He also served as board member and caretaker of Lakeview Cemetery in Freedom for many years. He took pride and spent countless hours keeping the cemetery mowed and trimmed, ready for all visitors. Lakeview Cemetery is where he will rest in eternity.

Albert was also a 65 plus year member, past Master and longtime Treasurer of Carroll Lodge #57 of Freedom. He enjoyed so many friendships with all of his fraternal brothers. He was proud of his association with the Masonic organization.

Growing up in Freedom, he loved to hunt with his friends and because of it, knew just about every inch of the town and a great number of the people. After his retirement he spent many day’s fishing Sebago Lake in Maine.

Life will be different now with his passing - Freedom has lost a native son.

Albert is survived by his very loving family. His three sisters, Pricilla Barnes of Westbrook, Maine, Nettie Nason of Effingham, NH, and Patricia Hodge and her husband Robert (Bobby) of Freedom NH and many nieces and nephews.

Albert is also survived by his son, Brian Godfrey and his wife Karen of Ossipee, daughters April Landale and her husband Scott of Kelly Wyoming, Robin Despins and her husband Richard (Dick) of Wakefield, NH and Janice Zecher of Freedom NH. He was predeceased by his son in Law Fredrick (Rick) Zecher.

His Grandchildren included Michelle Laxson, Rebeka Godfrey, Katelyn Simpson, Tessa and Eliza Landale, and Ryan and Sam Despins. He also was proud of his 5 Great Grand Children.

Visiting hours will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday December 11, 2017 at the Lord Funeral Home, 50 Moultonville Road, Center Ossipee, NH. Funeral services will be at the First Christian Church of Freedom, Freedom, NH on Tuesday December 12th at 1:00pm

Following the Church service a private graveside service will be held for family only.

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