ROCKLAND and NEW JERSEY — Jeffrey G. Kilbourn, 53, died peacefully Dec. 16, 2012, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Utica, N.Y., Jan. 31, 1959, he was the son of Judson Kilbourn Sr. and Ellen Phillips Kilbourn. Educated in New Jersey, Jeff was a 1977 graduate of Sparta High School.

Following graduation, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving for four years, he was stationed on several aircraft carriers overseas during his tour. Jeff was honorably discharged in 1983.

Returning to the states, Jeff began his working career in the plumbing, exterminating and radio fields, to name a few. His brother remembered he had a great radio voice, and often worked doing voice-overs for ads on local New Jersey stations.

Most recently, Jeff was employed as a welder and crane operator, a job he took great pride in. He worked mostly in the marine division, at shipyards, on ships, restoring boats, and laying cable.

It was seven years ago, while in Rockland for his job running cable between Rockland and Vinalhaven, that Jeff met Wendy Jencks. The two hit it off immediately, saying it was love at first sight. Wendy remembered that after Jeff bought her a brownie he won her over, starting what she called a beautiful love story. After a long distance relationship that lasted several years, Jeff moved to Maine in November 2011, and the two were married Nov. 17, 2011, in Rockland.

Jeff was a family man at heart. He took great joy in spending time with his family. His step-daughter Emily remembers he was a great story teller, and he loved to read her books. Together with his family, he was pleased to have adopted a dog, Zoey, from the Humane Society this summer. He looked forward to the daily walks they took around the neighborhood.

Jeff was a people person, and had many eclectic interests. His family remembered some of his most favorite times were spent volunteering as a docent for the Maine Lighthouse Museum at the Owls Head Lighthouse.

Predeceased by his parents; a sister, Tracey Ann Kilbourn; and his father-in-law, David Jencks, Jeff is survived by his wife, Wendy Kilbourn; and his step-daughter, Emily Knutson, both of Rockland; his brothers, Jud Kilbourn and his wife, Sherri, of Scottsdale, Ariz., David Kilbourn and his wife, Dianne, of Lake Hopatacong, N.J., and Scott Kilbourn and his wife, Suzanne, of Newton, N.J.; a sister, Casey McKinnon and her husband, Neil, of California; six nieces and nephews, Megan, Ellen and Jud Kilbourn, and Wyatt, Abby and Alina Jencks; his mother-in-law, Diane Jencks of Warwick, R.I.; and two special friends, Russell Mueller of West Creek, N.J., and Tom Yetman of Philadelphia, Pa.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, Dec. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland.

To share memory or condolence with Jeff's family, visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.