GRANTHAM, NH— Sadly, we have lost another member of The Greatest Generation. Maurice “Hap” Reney, a lifelong resident of Grantham, NH, passed away peacefully on March 14th, at the age of 99.
Hap was born on June 20, 1925 to the late Donas and Margaret (Barton) Reney. Hap was the youngest boy of 9 children.
He met the love of his life, Eleanor Linton, when they were in their teens.
He joined the United States Army in 1943 and was sent to Camp Hale in Colorado. There he was assigned to the ski troops – The 10th Mt. Division. Later on he was sent overseas to join the 117th Infantry Regiment 30th Division. While there, he reached the rank of sargeant and fought at the Battle of the Bulge and second wave of Normandy. For bravery on 2 separate occasions, Hap was presented with a Bronze Star and a Bronze Star with an oak leaf cluster.
Upon returning home from the war, Hap and Eleanor were married. He worked for his Dad’s lumber business for a time, D.J. Reney Lumber, before buying Reney’s Store in 1954 in Grantham. He and Eleanor worked together tirelessly to make it a success, which they did for over 32 years. It became a town gathering place for many. Hap and Eleanor had a legacy of community involvement and love for their family and friends.
After their retirement, they spent their time doing what they loved to do most – go fishing or antiquing in Maine.
Hap was also Selectman for the town of Grantham for 12 years.
On August 24, 2014, Hap’s beloved wife passed away.
Hap is survived by his daughter, Jody Bewersdorf and her husband Mike. Also his grandson, Mike Jr. and his wife Jennifer, his great grandson Joseph, as well as his granddaughter, Amy Bewersdorf.
Hap was predeceased by his brothers Hugh, Robert and Everett Reney; his sisters Doris Persons, Dora Gross, Lena Cote, Marjorie Phetteplace, and Ruth Reney.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 PM at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Saint Patrick’s Church, 32 Beech Street in Newport, followed by burial at Grantham Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Battle of the Bulge Association, PO Box 330, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, or Sullivan County Nutrition, PO Box 387, Newport, NH 03773.To offer condolences online, please visit www.newtonbartlett.com.
