Obituaries from the week of 06/11/09

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 10, 1942, a son of Carl S. Tripp and Marjorie Cross Tripp. He spent many years working at Crosby Laughlin in Portland, Lake Region Lumber and Hancock Lumber in Casco. He loved hunting, fishing, the outdoors and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Norman Tripp; a brother, David Tripp of Farmingdale; daughters Marie Paul, Terry Collins and Holly Hodgkins; a son, Carlton Tripp Jr.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Crooked River Cemetery, Route 11 in Naples. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice House in Auburn, Me.

Pat was born on June 23, 1924 in Poughkeepsie, New York, the daughter of Patrick and Salina (McTeague) McGlynn. She attended Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, New York, then joined the New York Telephone Company, where she worked for 30 years and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

She married the love of her life, Joseph Morrissey, on June 21, 1944. Together they started a family in Poughkeepsie, New York, and later moved to Yonkers, New York. While living in Yonkers, most weekends they would make the 6-hour drive to their summer home on Long Lake in Naples, Maine… which they did faithfully for 13 years. Finally, in 1975, they decided to make Naples their permanent home.

Lovingly called “Mrs. Moonlight” by her husband of 65 years, Pat was famous for her “happy hours”at their lakeside home — many of which lasted late into the night. Known for her cooking and baking skills, Pat would think nothing of whipping up a dinner for the multitudes of people that would show up unexpectedly at their house. The house was always filled with good people, the smell of great food, and her amazing spirit. She lived by the motto, “Family, friends, food and fun.” Their door was always open…

Pat had a quick wit, and thought nothing of telling an off-color joke. She was a devoted Boston Celtics fan, and lived to see her favorite team win their first championship in 25 years. She loved gardening and shopping — especially her yearly “Black Friday” Christmas shopping ritual.

Pat was a loving mother to her three children, Patrick and daughter-in-law JoAnne of East Haven, Connecticut, Dennis and daughter-in-law Lesley of Ossining, New York, and Tricia and son-in-law Matt of Naples, Maine; grandmother to Patrick and wife Amy, and Melissa; and great-grandmother to Olivia, Lillian, Sara and Joseph. The Morrissey family is grateful that Pat lived long enough to see the birth of her only great-grandson… who was born in April of this year, and will carry on the “Morrissey” family name.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Donald, Leonard, Eileen, Winnie, Josie and Peggy.

Special thanks to Dr. Ketchum and Carolyn, at the Mercy oncology department… their caring and devotion will not be forgotten. Thanks, also, to the dedicated staff at St. Joseph’s Manor who lovingly cared for Pat during her final days.

A celebration of her life will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12th at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, Maine. On-line condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, 1 Maine Street, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.

He was born in North Waterford on Feb. 10, 1941, a son of Lionel and Helen Crouse Labbe. He attended Maine and Connecticut schools, graduating from Stratford, Conn. High School in the Class of 1959. Mr. Vermette served a tour of duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. On July 10, 1982, he married Denice M. Alton in Arundel. He worked seven years with C.B. Cummings Co. in Norway, three years with Fox & Ginn Co. in Portland, four years with St. Johnsbury Trucking Co. in Scarborough, 12 years with Shape, Inc. in Biddeford and 16 years with ABBA, N.A., Stinson & Bristol Seafood Cos., all of Portland, retiring in 2003. Ron enjoyed professional football and collecting John Wayne memorabilia.

Surviving are his wife of over 26 years of Biddeford; three daughters, Terri Lee Foster of Topsham, Tammy Fecteau of Gorham and Tracy Mishio of Richmond; a stepson, Keene Gionest of Biddeford; a stepdaughter, Heather Huot of Biddeford; a sister, Jolene Beauregard of Massachusetts; two brothers, Alan Vermette of Hampton Bays, N.Y., and Michael Vermette of Indian Island; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Visiting were on Monday, June 8, 2009 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, followed by a funeral service. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford.

He was born in Bridgton, a son of Gardner and Albertha Mann Johnson, and attended local schools. Wayne passed on his love of music to his sons. He was presently teaching his son Josh to play guitar.

He was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by three sons Zakery, Joshua and Colby of Fryeburg; three sisters, Eleanor Kimball, Joyce Valeriani and Linda Warren; two brothers, Gardner (Bub) Johnson, and Robert Johnson; two stepchildren, Robert and Rebecca Drew; and several nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Fish Street, Fryeburg, on Sunday, June 14 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Tim Leconey officiating. A family gathering will be held at Eleanor’s house on Portland Road immediately following the service. Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg.

Jim was born in Eastport on March 29, 1952, the son of Roy and Jean Peterson Spear. He attended Portland schools, graduating from Deering High School in 1970. Upon his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country in Vietnam as a Recon-Ranger with the 101st Airborne Division. Jim was award several metals including the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. He re-enlisted and spent three years in Germany. Upon completing his military service, he began his career with the U.S. Postal Service retiring after 30 years of service. Jim was a very generous person who had a big heart and was a friend to many. Being an avid outdoorsman he spent much of his time hunting and fishing with family and friends. He also loved spending time with his many friends and family, socializing, story telling and was the life of the party on more than one occasion. Never having children of his own, Jim worshipped his four nieces and nephew, as well as his great-nieces and nephew. Jim was a member of Cumberland Lodge #12 and the American Legion Gray Post # 86.

Jim is survived by his mother Jean Peterson of Raymond; brothers Bob of Standish and John of Gray; sister Lynne Myhaver of Raymond; stepsisters Lori Perry and Julie Peterson, and stepbrother Jim Peterson of Scarborough; his ex-wife Mary Spear; and his aunt.

He was predeceased by his father Roy, stepfather Pete Peterson; stepbrother Billy Peterson; and two uncles.

A memorial visitation was held Saturday, June 6, with a memorial service immediately following at the First Congregation Church of North Yarmouth, 3 Gray Rd., North Yarmouth. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home, Gray.

He was born on June 14, 1938, in Westbrook, the son of Cynthia Jane McLellan Hillock and Ariel William Hillock. He grew up in Westbrook and attended Westbrook schools. He obtained his GED while in the military. He also attended Husson College. Russell had a combined service time of 20 years for the military

. During his stint with the Navy he served on the U.S.S. Randolph Air Craft Carrier. With his 16 years in the army, he did two tours in the Vietnam Conflict repairing aircraft and helicopters. Retiring as Sargent first class E-7 from the military Russ worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 15 years, finally retiring and able to relax to do all the projects and hobbies he so loved. Russ was also known as the “Putterer.” His favorite thing to do was crossword puzzles often assisted by his wife. On Feb. 14, 1994, Russ was married to what became his best friend and care giver his Angel Miss Lanette Kitchin. Although miles away from his two daughters, Melinda and Melody, he was always thinking of them. Russell will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his bubbly and vibrant sense of humor. Russ will be especially remembered as a practical joker by his youngest brother and best friend Dwight.

He is predeceased by both of his parents; brothers, William, Richard, Edward; and sisters Arlene Randall and Hazel Hillock.

He is survived by his spouse and partner for life, Lanette Kitchin Hillock of Tampa, Fla.; daughters, Melinda A Hillock of Massachusetts, and Melody E. Hillock of New York; stepson Stephen Kitchin of Scarborough; stepdaughter, Kimberly Small of Biddeford; a grandson and five step-grandchildren; his brother Dwight Anthony Hillock of Lovell; his sisters, Helen Hillock DeRice of Webster, N.Y., Alice Hillock Bye of Falmouth, Hilda Hillock Hill of Lyman, and Nancy Jane Hillock-Wescott of Westbrook; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., at Blais and Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook. Interment will immediately follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Congress Street, Portland. Following interment will be a celebration of Russell’s life held at Wassamki Springs, 56 Saco St. in Scarborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice Healthcare, 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, Tampa, Florida 33637.

Michael was born at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Mass., was raised in Massachusetts and Maine and was a successful salesman in Dover, N.H. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed skiing, fishing, baseball and especially wrestling. He could talk for hours about anything and always found a way to make you laugh. His passion for life was infectious and he greeted everyone with a warm embrace as if he’d known you forever. Michael brought smiles and laughter everywhere he went. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved him, and cherished in our hearts forever.

Michael is survived by his mother, Patricia Smith MacDougall and stepfather Alan MacDougall of Raymond; his father, Toufic J. Solomon of Portland; his sister Cara Solomon of Portland; his life partner Melissa Boucher of Dover, N.H.; stepbrothers Shane MacDougall and Kevin MacDougall of Maine; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A funeral Mass was held Saturday at St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church, 70 Lawrence St., Lawrence, Mass. Burial followed at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Methuen, Mass.

Mickey was born in Massachusetts on Dec. 21, 1919, a daughter of the late Joseph and Hannah Wood. She worked as a registered nurse before the birth of her children and from then, spent her time raising her children. She was an avid painter and enjoyed ceramics and needlepoint. Mickey and her husband also raised Bedlington Terriers.

She is survived by her two sons, Lawrence M. Newth, Jr. of Mechanic Falls, and Dr. Mark S. Newth of Topeka, Kansas; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland with Rev. Philip Shearman officiating.

Interment in Evergreen Cemetery was private.

She was born in Coaticook, Quebec, on Jan. 22, 1925, the daughter of Eugene and Yvonne (Arsenault) Champagne. Raised in Maine, she had little formal education. She lived most of her life in the Auburn-Lewiston area, speaking both French and English. She was married in 1944, to James H. DeLong, of Wheeling, West Virginia, her husband of 65 years. She was a very loving and devoted wife and mother. She worked many years at Bates College as well as Bates Mill, Dostie Jewelers, Liggetts Drug Store and the Women’s Shop. She spent most of her spare time cooking and attending to her children or socializing with her many brothers and sisters and families. She was loved by all who knew her and seldom said a mean word to anyone. She will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers and friends.

She is survived by her husband, James DeLong of Auburn; her daughter, Jane Athanus, of Irmo, S.C.; her sons, Tom of Barrington, N.H., Michael of Portland, and James of Auburn; her sisters, Rita Mathieu of Tigard, Ore., Georgette True of Bridgton, Lise Conway of Lewiston, Jackie Conway of Auburn; her brother, Orean Champagne of Lewiston; her eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Vivian Goulet and Frances Theberge; and her brothers, Russell and Gaetan Champagne.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday at Dostie Funeral Home, 2151 Lisbon Road, Lewiston. Interment was in Gracelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cecile’s name to d’Youville Pavilion Activities Fund (3 East), 102 Campus Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240, or to the Beacon Hospice, 55 Lisbon St., Lewiston, ME 04240.