Hub Seward

Hub Seward, 81, of Milford passed suddenly but peacefully at home on November 15, 2021 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, with his wife at his side.

Born in Patterson, New Jersey on September 6, 1940 as the son of Evelyn (Hubbard) and Guy Seward, Hub grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He attended public school through grade 7, cutting through back yards and eating lunches at home. Recognized for his intelligence he was transferred to the prestigious Lakemont Academy boarding school, from which he graduated Valedictorian and received the Science Award for seniors.

Hub was attracted to the Outing Club and outdoor activities of/like caving, rock climbing, and canoeing. Lured back after a three year break, Hub resumed education at Newark College of Engineering (NCE). NCE had a computer arrive shortly before Hub. Soon he was experimenting, making it more efficient, and as a sophomore became a teaching assistant in the new computer center to both students and faculty. As one of three undergraduates who developed a faster FORTRAN process later adopted by several engineering colleges, Hub graduated with a BSEE in 1965 and a Master of Science in Engineering Mathematics in 1967.

Hub additionally founded Outing Club at NCE and continued rock climbing, caving, winter mountaineering, backpacking, and canoeing with the Intercollegiate Association (IOCA). School vacations and long weekends were spent somewhere between West Virginia and Maine enjoying one or more of these activities. Instructor and leader with the MIT Advanced Rock Climbing Committee, the National Speleological Society, and the Adirondack Winter Mountaineering School. Summers during college years included mountaineering trips to Wyoming, California, and Washington State. Other interests included the Japanese Board Game of GO (Wei-Qui or Baduk), travel to many historic sites and recreational areas, whittling, and square dancing.

Hub moved to Nashua, NH in 1967 taking a job at Sanders Associates as a software engineer working on electronic countermeasure devices, display systems, and air traffic control systems until 1989. Following that he worked as a substitute teacher, Census taker, and volunteer archeologist. In 1992 Hub returned to Sanders, now BAE, as a consultant until retiring in 1997.

Hub met Peggy (Mack), a nursing student at Alfred University, during college Outing Club activities. In 1969 they were married and soon moved to Milford, New Hampshire. Together they became involved in local outdoor activities as caretakers for Anne Jackson Girl Scout Camp and assistant Cadette troop leaders. When their children became cub scouts, boy scouts, and explorers Hub served many roles including committee chairman and Assistant Scout Master. He further served the Milford Conservation Commission for over 30 years as member or chairman. He enjoyed hiking and constructing trails and the Commission recently honored him with a plaque in Emerson Park.

In the 1980s Hub became curious about the Hot Air Balloons that were flying on weekends in the Milford area. He advanced from watching to crew chief to pilot and owner of the Lime Ricky Balloon. Hub was a member of the Granite State Balloon Association, AOPA, and the Balloon Federation of America. Hub was active with the Milford Historical Society, Jaycees, and the Lions Club where he was presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF). Hub and Peggy were further recognized as Milford’s Citizens of the Year in 2020.

In retirement Hub enjoyed traveling the country with family and friends, visiting all but 2 US states; listening to country music, attending concerts and discovering new restaurants. Hub was intrigued by family genealogy, questing for letterboxes, and collecting wooden puzzles

Hub is predeceased by his parents and his sister Fredrica “Dica”Seward Hillis.

Hub is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Margaret (Peggy) Seward; his son Benjamin, his daughter Karen and her husband George Parker, and his son Timothy and his wife Michelle. Hub will also miss his seven grandchildren Tristan, Lucy, Abigail, and Elise Parker; and Tiffany and Alicia Scroggins and Brianna Seward. His grandchildren were a true joy to him as he watched them grow and become marvelous young adults.

Hub was a gentle, quiet man who believed that by listening, not talking, you learned. When he did talk it was often profound and certainly witty. Rest in peace Hub, We love you.

Calling hours are on Tuesday, November 23rd from 6 to 8pm at Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. Casual attire. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 24th at 10am at Smith & Heald Funeral Home. Burial for family only at Riverside Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to: Conservation Land Fund, Town of Milford, NH, c/o Chris Constantino, 1 Union Square, Milford, NH 03055 or Lions Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 274, Milford, NH 03055. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.