CONCORD, N.H. – George Segal, patriarch of family owned Sanel Auto Parts, was recently named 2013 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce in New Hampshire.
Born in Chelsea, Mass., Segal grew up in Concord often accompanying his grandfather on trips to the family junkyard. After graduating from high school and serving in Germany during World War II, he returned to Concord and joined the family business. He rose through the ranks during decades of hard work to eventually become chairman of the board of Sanel Auto Parts. Now in its 80th year, the company that started as a local salvage yard has grown into a 39-store chain operating in three states.
As an active member of the community, Segal served in many philanthropic endeavors. He was a founding member of the Concord Boys and Girls Club in 1944, and was a staunch supporter of the United Way. Each year at Thanksgiving, Sanel Auto Parts donates turkeys and food baskets to those in need and organizes a holiday toy drive for less fortunate children. He also has been a benefactor to a number of local organizations, including Concord Hospital, Capitol Center for the Arts, the Audi, The Grappone Conference Center, The Friend Program, The Friendly Kitchen, Concord SPCA and the League of NH Craftsmen. Also member of Rotary for nearly 50 years, Segal has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.
In presenting the award to Mr. Segal, Deane Morrison, chair of the selection committee for the award said, "Success in business and life often come from modest beginnings. Hard-working, dedicated to family and soft-spoken with a dry sense of humor are attributes that describe our honoree. He is not someone who is interested in publicizing his contributions to the community, so it is fitting that we recognize one who has given so much."
