West Lebanon, NH- Captain Jon T. Whitcomb (Ret.) Hanover, NH Fire Department, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at his home in West Lebanon, NH, with his wife at his side. Jon endured a long, heroic, battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 85 years old.

Jon was born in Whitefield, NH on January 16, 1941, to Fred T. Whitcomb and Loria C. Whitcomb (Perry). He grew up in Bethlehem, NH, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the White Mountains, where he attended elementary school through high school. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Ann Blaney, whom he had known since first grade. As just teenagers, they began their long-devoted journey together. Their extraordinary marriage and loving commitment to each other lasted 67 years, until Jon’s passing.

Early in their marriage, Jon and Linda moved their young family to Franconia, NH, where Jon served the State of NH as a Ski Patrolman at Cannon Mountain and then as Manager of Snowmaking Production there. During this time, Jon became the Fire Chief in Francona, serving the community not only as Fire Chief, but in many other capacities for the Town. He had an innate sense of responsibility to help people, those in crisis and in need.

In 1974, Jon moved his family to Hanover, NH, where he served as a Lieutenant Firefighter/EMT and Captain, often as acting Chief, for over 25 years. Jon was respected as a leader, and he took charge of the Diversion Program at the Fire Station, which involved mentoring teenagers in the area who needed to work off community service for minor misdemeanors. He retired in 1998. He and his wife then enjoyed carribbean cruises and spending the winters in Florida.

Jon will be remembered for his exceptional ability in helping guide, mentor, save, and comfort people. He participated in many high-risk rescues in his life, among them the rescue of those in the Cog Railway disaster of 1968, the daring rescue of C. Everett Koop’s son, David Koop on the Cannon Cliffs in 1967, and countless other people in mountain rescues, fires, avalanches and other disasters. Jon also participated in rock climbing expeditions to secure the ever-shifting face of the Old Man of The Mountain. He served FEMA following Hurricane Katrina. He was an expert skier, rock climber, avid hiker and runner. He was an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. If you knew him, it was a privilege.

Jon is pre-deceased by his parents, Fred T. Whitcomb and Loria C. Whitcomb (Perry), three brothers, Gary L. Whitcomb (Jean Ann), Fred C. Whitcomb (Nancy) Michel J. Whitcomb (Susan) and Jon’s beloved son, Hartford, VT Fire Captain Michael J. Whitcomb (Ret.) (Nicole).

He is survived by his wife, Linda A. Whitcomb (Blaney) of West Lebanon, his brother, Daniel E. Whitcomb (Maria) of Thetford, VT, his son, Jon Christopher Whitcomb (Rose) of Springfield, Missouri, his daughter, Kerry E. Lyden (John) of West Lebanon, nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews.

His legacy will remain with all that knew him. He was a kind, loyal, ethical, understanding and an honorable man. He was patient and calm in any situation, always with steady resolve.

Daniel Webster’s Quote about the Old Man of the Mountain ends with the words: “Up in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that here makes men”. God made a great man in Jon T. Whitcomb. He will live in many hearts forever.

There will be no calling hours. A private interment will take place at Pine Knolls Cemetery. A celebration of life at the Hanover/Lebanon Garden Hilton for all family and friends will take place at 1pm on July 12, 2026. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

Jon’s Family would like to expressly thank Dartmouth Health Hospice for their exceptional care throughout these past few months. And, also Lora McClintock, MD at APD hospital as Jon’s hospice doctor.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hanover Firefighters Association: 48 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755 (for families in need).