Glenn Eldridge

PORTLAND — Glenn True Eldridge, 89, of Gorham died peacefully Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Maine Medical Center.

He leaves his wife of 68 years, Gloria Nadine Hale.

Born March 25, 1927 in East Baldwin to Ernest Frank Eldridge and Edna Mary Riley, Glenn was one of six siblings. He attended Potter Academy in Sebago until he was drafted into the Army in 1945, where he served as a member of the Military Police stationed in Italy during World War II. Glenn was later honored to receive his diploma from Potter Academy in 2001. He was the first veteran in Maine to receive his diploma since his education was interrupted by the war.

Glenn and Gloria raised five children, first in Gorham where he worked in the area as a millwright for many years, later moving to Lebanon, Conn. While in Connecticut, Glenn worked for Electric Boat in Groton, and Pratt Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. He retired from Pratt Whitney in 1992 after 26 years of service, and he and Gloria quickly returned to Maine. They settled again in Gorham, where they lived since 1993.

Never one to hide his love for his wife, Glenn and Gloria were rarely apart. They spent their many years together enjoying their home state of Maine, spending time with their family. Glenn was proud of his children and doted on his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They passed many summer days and nights at the family’s camp in Denmark, where Glenn took every opportunity to regale those who would listen to stories of growing up in Baldwin. Avid travelers late in life, Glenn and Gloria took several trips to the Caribbean and Mexico, accompanied by family members. They also traveled to Florence, Italy, in 2009, returning to where Glenn was stationed as a member of the 101st Military Police.

Glenn spent his retirement watching his family grow, and loved spending time with them, playing cards and cribbage. He also enjoyed watching basketball, rooting for UConn, and as a longtime fan, both loving and cursing the Red Sox.

Glenn is survived by his wife Gloria and their children, Sharon Geer of Gorham, Sheila Dodds of Boiling Springs, Pa., Stephen Eldridge of Monmouth, Scott Eldridge of Pittsfield, Mass., and Jeffrey Eldridge, of Ellington, Conn.; 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Glenn was the last of his siblings, predeceased by Harold, Rodney and Paul Eldridge, Norma Thomas, and Jennette Hodge; and his grandson.

Visiting hours were be held on Tuesday, July 19 at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham, where a funeral service followed. Burial was in Eastern Cemetery, Main Street, Gorham.

Online condolences may be sent to www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Glenn’s memory may be made to: American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route One, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.