Harry M. Sanborn, Sr.

Newport, NH – Harry Madison Sanborn, Sr. passed away peacefully on January 15, 2023, just one week from celebrating his 90 th birthday. He was born in Newport on January 22, 1933, the son of Frank Madison and Mae Alberta Sanborn and was a lifelong area resident.

He married Katherine E. Blake on June 28, 1953, in South Newbury, NH at the South Newbury Union Church. He and Kay would have celebrated 70 years of marriage this summer. As Kay’s health declined late in life, Harry spent several years contributing to her care in their family home. When illness forced Kay to move into the Woodlawn Care Center a few years ago, Harry faithfully continued to visit with her. Harry joined Kay at Woodlawn a few months ago, and they spent Harry’s final months together, often sitting together quietly and at times recalling days special to both of them. Their children Harry Jr, Bill and Joanne shared this special visits with them.

After marriage, Harry & Kay, settled in South Newbury NH and later moved to Newport, building their family home on Bradford Road in 1957 where they raised Harry Jr, Bill and Joanne. Harry had grown up “on the hill” and spent his childhood years on the family farm. He began working in a local sawmill and hauled lumber and logs for local lumber mills before transitioning to work for local construction trucking companies, including George Smith and his cousin Bill Hoyt. He later joined his father Frank at his trucking company, Sanborn’s Express. Harry eventually took over the business (with Kay doing the books), and in his day hauled just about anything for just about everyone, all over the northeast. During these years, he formed many relationships with local businessmen. On the side, Harry and Kay cared for their local small blueberry business, known as “The Blueberry Patch”, and spent many summers in the stand chatting with pickers and swapping stories. With the addition of the apple orchard, Harry enjoyed pressing cider with Kay, family members and friends. He especially enjoyed sharing these moments with each of his grandchildren. Over the years, Harry also was known to plow many driveways, and local businesses around Newport. If he saw someone struggling to shovel a driveway, he would most often lend a hand by pushing the snow away for them. Harry was also a longtime proud member of the Bektash Temple Shriners Association.

Surviving family members include his wife, Katherine and children Harry Jr (Diane) William “Bill”(Susan) and Joanne Miller. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kate, Harry III, and Andrew Sanborn, Jessica Lane, William Jr and Matthew Sanborn, and Jackson and Madison Miller. He is survived by great-children Viola, Aidan, Brayden, Cameron, Tyler and Cooper. He is also survived by brother Richard Ripley of Newport and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday January 22, 2023 from 11 AM until 1:00 PM at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport with a service at 1:00.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.   

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children

Attn: Shriners Hospitals for Children

PO Box 947765

Atlanta, GA 30394

https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=lttr-ways-to-give-nav

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry M. Sanborn, Sr., please visit our floral store.