George Segal, the 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.
A Massachusetts native, Segal grew up in Concord and often accompanied 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 and eventually became Chairman of the Board of Sanel Auto Parts, a 39-store chain across three states.
Segal has 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 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. A Rotarian for nearly 50 years, Segal has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, that organization’s highest honor.
“Success in business and life often come from modest beginnings,” says Deane Morrison, chair of the selection committee for the award. “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.”
