Former Nashua Public Works Director Dies

George R. Crombie, Plymouth, MA, resident and former Director of Public Works for the Town of Plymouth, passed away February 23, 2014, with his beloved wife Jackie by his side. 

George was born in Methuen, Massachusetts. He spent his early years growing up in the New Hampshire seacoast region. He married Jacqueline Gagnon Crombie in 1969, started his family, and began his career in public works in the Town of Durham, NH. George went on to serve in public works directorship positions in Burlington, VT, Nashua, NH, and Plymouth, MA.

Upon graduating from Somersworth High School, N.H., George went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New Hampshire and a Master Degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University. During his distinguished career George was appointed by Vermont Governor Jim Douglas as the Secretary of Natural Resources and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under Governor William Weld as the Undersecretary of Environmental Affairs. From 2009 until his death George held an appointment as a Senior Faculty Member at Norwich University's School of Graduate Studies in the Department of Public Administration. In this capacity George ended his career doing what he loved; he was educating the next generation of public administration experts to lead in the area of public service and exploring ways to ensure a clean and sustainable environment. 

During his career George was the recipient of numerous awards for his work on environmental issues. Most notable was George's recognition in 2002 as one of the top ten public works leaders of the year in the U.S. and Canada. Also, in 2010 he was elected to serve as President of the American Public Works Association. 

George wished to be remembered for his love of family, his deep regard for the environment, his commitment to education, and for his dedication to public service. He loved golfing with his wife and friends and spending time with his 8 grandchildren: Maggie and Teddy Borgos, Jack and Jensen Crombie, Kate Montesano, and Jackson, William, and Samuel Strout.

George is survived by his wife Jackie; his daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Jill and Bill Borgos of Queensbury, NY; his son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Amanda Crombie of Crozet, VA; his son-in-law Vincent Montesano of Chicago, IL; his brothers Dean Crombie, Marc Perreault, David Faucher, Gary Faucher, and Kenny Faucher; his sister Marybeth Faucher Clark; and Mona Faucher, who with her husband Buck (predeceased), welcomed George into their home as family when his parents passed away during his youth. He always expressed his love and gratitude to the Faucher family for this great kindness.

In addition, it was with great sorrow that George was predeceased by his daughter Jane Marie Montesano in 2011, his sister, Susan Faucher Kennedy, and his parents Raymond and Henrietta Crombie.

Donations in George's name can be made to either the
Ace Bailey Children's Foundation
135 Langdon Street
Providence, RI 02904
Or donations can be made online at. www.acebailey.org by clicking on the heart that reads donate.
This foundation was set up to support families and children at Tufts Medical Center

OR

NEC-APWA PW Education Fund
"George Crombie APWA Emerging Leaders Academy Scholarship"
Sent to: New England Chapter APWA
C/O NEC Education Fund
894 Pleasant Street
East Weymouth, MA 02189