Deerfield, NH With his daughters and son-in-law by his side, Rachel and William Knecht of New Orleans, LA; Sandra Swain of Plymouth; Brenda Paquette of Belmont; and Debra O’Neal of Deerfield, Hector passed away on September 13, 2011 from a brief illness. Hector was born in Nashua, NH to Vivian Alberta Mizo (Moison) and Hector Joseph De Pontbriand on March 30, 1929. He was a 1949 graduate of Portsmouth High School. Hector joined the NH National Guard unit of Portsmouth NH in 1951. He was employed at the National Gypsum Company in Portsmouth for 16 years and resigned his position when he, along with his men of the 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery unit received orders to report to active duty at Fort Bragg, NC, May 2, 1968. Hector proudly served his country as a Captain in the US Army from September of 1968 through September of 1969 in the Viet Nam war. He was especially honored as a recipient of two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart and received a field promotion to Major during his period of active duty service. Upon his return from Viet Nam, he owned and operated Hector’s Texaco in Dover and later, in Wells, ME. He lived in So. Berwick, Me for more than 10 years and worked as a shipfitter at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard retiring in March, 1991. After retirement, Hector enjoyed winter residency in New Orleans, LA and Largo, FL. He was a lifetime member of the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Rifle Association of America, the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge # 0443 in Dover, NH, the Rod and Gun Association of South Berwick, ME and the Disabled American Veterans Association. He was also affiliated with the American Legion Association and the Elks. Hector loved his Country, his daughters, family and friends. He spent a lifetime doing for others. He will be missed by all. Hector was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Robert G. Pontbriand, (WWII, Anzio Beach, Italy); sisters, Claire MacInnis of Concord, NH; Muriel McKenney of Alfred, ME, and a niece, Linda McKenney. He is survived by his four daughters, 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours and a prayer service will be held at Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road, Rte. 4, Lee, NH on Tuesday, September 20th between 5:00 and 8 p.m. Burial will follow on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Highway, Rte. 3, Boscawen NH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice; suggestions of the family will be available at the Purdy Memorial Chapel. To sign our online guestbook, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com