J. Verne Wood Funeral Home — Funeral Home in Portsmouth, NH
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J. Verne Wood Funeral Home is the oldest mortuary in Portsmouth, having served the city and surrounding communities for over 150 years. The business traces its roots to the undertaking firm of J. Verne Wood, a former Police Commissioner, who operated the original Buckminster Chapel at 7 Islington Street. In the 1940s, George Bradford Ward, a cousin of J. Verne Wood, took over the business.
George Bradford Ward acquired the Benjamin F. Webster House in 1953 and relocated the funeral home to its present location, renaming it J. Verne Wood Funeral Home while retaining the Buckminster Chapel name as homage to the original site. After George Bradford Ward's passing in 1973, his brother Nelson Kellogg Ward and nephew Fred Grant Ward, Jr. continued the family business until Nelson left to pursue a career as a professional organist, leaving Fred G. Ward, Jr. as sole owner.
The funeral home is currently operated by Thomas G. LaBerge and his wife Deborah LaBerge, daughter of Fred G. Ward, Jr., continuing the Ward family legacy that has guided the business for multiple generations.
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View New Hampshire ResourcesFrequently Asked Questions About J. Verne Wood Funeral Home
What is the phone number for J. Verne Wood Funeral Home?
You can reach J. Verne Wood Funeral Home by calling (603) 436-1702.
Where is J. Verne Wood Funeral Home located?
J. Verne Wood Funeral Home is located at 84 Broad Street Portsmouth, NH 03801.
How do I view obituaries from J. Verne Wood Funeral Home?
You can view recent obituaries from J. Verne Wood Funeral Home on this page in the Recent Obituaries section. You can also visit their official website for more information.
Can I send flowers to J. Verne Wood Funeral Home?
Yes, you can send sympathy flowers to J. Verne Wood Funeral Home through the Who Passed On flower delivery service available on this page.
How do I get directions to J. Verne Wood Funeral Home?
Click the "Get Directions" button above to open Google Maps navigation to 84 Broad Street Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Pricing Information
Pricing data not yet available for J. Verne Wood Funeral Home.
The FTC requires funeral homes to share pricing on request. Call them directly or compare local prices.
National median: burial $8,300, cremation $6,280 (NFDA 2023). Always contact the funeral home directly to confirm current pricing.
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