LACONIA ---- Arthur Jed Hollenbeck, 100, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many, he lived a full and remarkable life defined by service, creativity, and deep devotion to his family.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Jed was one of seven children and grew up in a close-knit household filled with energy and resilience. During World War II, he proudly served in the Army Air Corp as a flight instructor preparing young pilots for the skies at a pivotal moment in history.
After the war, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from Fenn College, Ohio. He started his career at Thomas Edison in West Orange, NJ, and then for many years at Westinghouse, where his sharp mind, curiosity, and commitment to innovation left a lasting impact.
In retirement, he fulfilled a longtime dream of designing and building his own home in Harrisville, New Hampshire — a true labor of love and a reflection of his craftsmanship and independence. He was endlessly inventive, with passions that ranged from motorcycles to player pianos, and he was always dreaming up and building something new in his workshop.
Above all, Jed was a dedicated and loving father to his three children: Timothy Krafcik, Cindy Hollenbeck-DeVries, and Laura Hollenbeck. He was a proud grandfather to three and a great-grandfather to six, and his legacy lives on in their hearts and lives. His wisdom, kindness, and quiet sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A service will be held in his honor on Sunday, August 10, 2025 (what would have been his 101st birthday) at the Jaffrey Bible Church on Route 133 Turnpike Road Jaffrey, New Hampshire at 2:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s (would be appreciated) or simply spend time creating, building, or exploring something new — just as Jed did throughout his extraordinary life.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.