Obituaries from the week of 10/8/09

Joe was born on August 17, 1923 in Yonkers, New York, the son of John and Lillian (Gilman) Morrissey He attended Gorton High School, and served his country as an army medic in World War II.

He married the love of his life, Patricia McGlynn, on June 21, 1944. Together they started a family in Poughkeepsie, New York, later moved to Yonkers, New York, and eventually settled in Naples, Maine.

He started his career at Alexander Smith & Sons Carpet Company, and advanced to the position of Comptroller. After that, he became comptroller at Schneider Black & Schlegel — an advertising and printing firm in Elmsford, 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. His plan was to leave the rat race of the city and enjoy a more peaceful existence at his lakeside “Shangri-la.” All that changed, however, when he took on the familiar role of Comptroller for Portland Litho — a printing company based in Portland, Maine. He became know as the “harbor master” based on his frequent maritime reports from his corner office overlooking Portland Harbor.

He retired from Portland Litho in 1991 to pursue a more serene life with his wife Pat, and devote more time to their love of entertaining friends and family.

Joe was a tough guy who loved watching western and action movies, but was not afraid to admit that his favorite film was “Pretty Woman.” He was quick to make friends, and once you knew Joe, you were family — and his home became your home. Joe was famously frugal, but his generosity with others extended beyond what most people ever knew… and that was the way he wanted it.  

Joe was a loving father to his 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; grandfather to Patrick and wife Amy, and Melissa; and great grandfather to Olivia, Lillian, Sara and Joseph. (And lest we forget… he will also be greatly missed by his faithful canine companion, Rudy.)

The Morrissey family is grateful that Joe lived long enough to see the birth of his only great-grandson… who was born in April of this year, and will carry on not only Joe’s name, but also that of the “Morrissey” family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, and his brother, John. He is survived by his sister Margaret Mosca of Paterson, New Jersey.

Special thanks to Dr. Boedecker, Lindy, Carolyn and the entire staff at the Bridgton Hospital oncology department… their caring and devotion will not be forgotten. Thanks, also, to Dr. Barter and the dedicated staff at Bridgton Hospital, who lovingly cared for Joe during his illness and especially during his final days.

A celebration of his life will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8th at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, Maine. Following the ceremony, there will be a final “happy hour” held in honor of Joe at The Freedom Café in Naples. Online 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.

Bryce was born in Bridgton on April 3, 2009, to Danielle Day and Robert “BJ” Matthews. Bryce loved playing with his older sister Brooke, and his Bumpa. He was a happy baby, always with a smile and a giggle. His maternal grandparents, David and Medy Day, and Lisa Sargent Day, all of Porter, will sadly miss him. His great-grandparents, Merle Day and Elinor Pulsifer of Kezar Falls, and Linville and Brenda Sargent of Freedom, N.H., will also never forget him. On his paternal side, Bryce leaves his grandparents, Kathy and Pat Spencer of Porter, and Bob and Tracy Matthews of Lewiston; great-grandparents, Ruth and George Haskell of Porter, Sharon and Paul Henninger of Anniston, Ala., and Bob Matthews of Ohatchee, Ala. He leaves several aunts and uncles.

A graveside service was held at Kezar Falls Burial Grounds in Porter on Friday, Oct. 2. Pastor Jim Ledoux officiated. Arrangements are by Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish.

She was born in Dover, N.H. on Nov. 12, 1920, a daughter of Chauncey and Verna Hallenbeck Whitney. She attended schools in Casco and Standish. She lived in Fryeburg most of her life. She was an honorary member of Paugus Grange and a member of the Fryeburg New Church of Jerusalem. She belonged to the Alliance, where she has served as president, and was a member of the Historical Society and Senior Citizens. She prepared meals for the Kiwanis Club for several years. She worked for the Post Office, Yield House, The Shoe Shop, and cleaned home for many individuals of this town. She volunteered for many years calling Bingo at Fryeburg Health Care Center. She enjoyed gardening, needlework, crocheting and putting together puzzles. She also enjoyed spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by two brothers, a sister, a half-brother and a half-sister.  

She is survived by daughters, Emily Paine of Silver Lake, N.H. and Verna Stewart of Slippery Rock, Pa.; a son, Fred Clark of Conway, N.H.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louise Goss of Ft. Myers, Fla. and Sylvia Hanson of North Windham; and two brothers, Elmer Whitney and Hollis Whitney of North Windham.  

There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at the New Church of Jerusalem on Oxford Street, Fryeburg with Rev. Ken Turley officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Fryeburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, New England Division Inc., 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsam, ME  04086. Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org

He is survived by two sons, Gary Warren and his wife Lisa of Doylestown Penn., and Bruce Warren of Bridgton; two daughters, Marcia Gilkey and her husband Joe of South Portland, and Elizabeth Norman of Petersburg, Mich.; 5 grandchildren, Amanda Ouellet of Amesbury, Mass., Daniel Stanford of South Portland, Kyle Warren of Bridgton, Tiffany Warren of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Gary Warren Jr. of Doylestown Penn.; one great-grandson, Miles Ouellet of Amesbury, Mass.; and his companion April E. Buck of Bridgton. He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn Warren in 1995.

Visitation hours will be held at the Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton on Thursday evening, October 8th from 6–8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First Congregational Church of Bridgton on Friday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Richard Bennett officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Hills Annex Cemetery, Bridgton. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Merton’s memory are requested to be sent to the Arthritis Foundation – Northern New England Office, 6 Chenell Drive, Suite 260, Concord, NH 03301.

He was employed by Kiehl Logging in Denmark, and had been a commercial fisherman, avid outdoorsman, and goalie for his high school soccer team.

Surviving are his parents, Andrew and Laurie Athanosios Kruczek of Easton, Pa.; a brother, Matthew, in the Coast Guard in Virginia; a sister, Kathryn, of Easton, Pa.; his grandmother, Theresa Kruczek, of Hainesport, N.J.; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the Denmark Congregational Church in Denmark, with interment in the L.A. Berry Cemetery, Denmark. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The USO, USO World Headquarters, Dept. WS, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, D.C., 20009-6860.

He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 21, 1935, the son of Carlisle Austin Lincoln and Vivian Louise (Fletcher) Lincoln of Wayne. He graduated from Winthrop High School in 1953 and then served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953-1957, of which 15 months were in the Far East. He received his B.A. degree in Mathematics and Science from the University of Maine at Orono in 1961. He was married to the former Patty (King) Lincoln, with whom he had three children from 1958 to 1981. He was employed at WLBZ in Bangor as a transmitting engineer from 1958-1961. He worked for Raytheon in Methuen, Mass., and Peterborough, N.H. in the DoD division of Air to Ground missile development from 1962-1969. He was in data processing at the State of Maine from 1969-1976. He was a longtime craftsman on Peaks Island. He was an accomplished musician who mastered many instruments among them the piano and the banjo. He played in several jazz, R&B, and bluegrass bands. Lincoln was a life-long avid reader with broad interests and possessed a curious personality. He served as Commander and Financial Officer of the American Legion on Peaks Island where he served the interests and welfare of veterans until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Joannie (Devine) Lincoln; his daughter Dyanna Lincoln of Portland; his two sons, Carlisle Lincoln of Anchorage, Alaska and Adym Lincoln of Chester, N.H.; five grandchildren; his stepdaughter, Julie Allex of Portland; stepson, Harold Woodman of Bridgton; his sister Sylvia Andrews of Fayette; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, 45 Seashore Ave., Peaks Island. There will be a gathering of family and friends directly following the service at the American Legion-Randall McVane Post 142, 42 Atlantic St., Peaks Island. The Casco Bay Line operates a ferry to Peaks Island at 12:15 p.m. each day, which will bring those who wish to attend the memorial service to the island. To offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest book and share memories, please go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Restoration Fund for the American Legion-Randall McVane Post 142, Peaks Island, ME 04108. Memorial contributions are 501(c) (19) tax deductible.

He was born in Portland, the son of Albert John French and Margie Ellen Griffin, and was educated in the South Portland Schools and attended Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland. Mr. French worked for many years as a heavy equipment mechanic and retired from Chadwick Baross in 1980. After retiring, he volunteered at Mercy Hospital for three years on the third floor with the pulmonary patients. During World War II, he was a lead welder in the South Portland Shipyard, building liberty ships. After the shipyard, he owned a gas station with his father and worked at Couri Motors. That is when he discovered his love for Pontiac cars and heavy equipment. He then went to work for the American Bridge Co. as an iron worker on the Maine Turnpike in 1947, the Augusta Bridges in 1959, then Schilinger Power Plant in New Hampshire, Houghton Arnold Machinery in Portland and Commercial Welding in South Portland. He was a member of the Masons, Hiram Lodge #180 in South Portland, a 32-degree Mason, member of Scottish Rites and Kora Temple Shrine, the Portland Shrine Club, Secretary of the Oriental Band, Lake Region Shrine Club and the Kennebec Region Shrine Club. As a member of the Oriental Band, there were many trips to tropical places including Tenerife, Aruba, Jamaica, Hawaii and a few trips to Las Vegas as well. One of his proudest moments was when he received his 50-year pin from the Hiram Lodge. He belonged to the Kora Shrine Lodge in Lewiston for 66 years. He and his wife Thelma built a camp on Little Sebago Lake in late 1950s where they spent many summers and then decided to winterize it and live there year round. He built his first boat in the basement and later bought his favorite boat of all, a mahogany Chris Craft inboard. He enjoyed all the seasons there at the lake fishing and boating in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter with the Windham Drifters.

Predeceasing him was his wife of 72 years, Thelma M. French, who died in 2008.

Surviving are a daughter, Judith E. Desnoyers of South Portland; three grandchildren including Stephen Desnoyers of Casco and Diana Ciazzo of Casco; two great-grandsons, a great-granddaughter and three great-great-granddaughters.

Visiting hours were on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Funeral services were held on Friday at the funeral home. Interment was at Bay View Cemetery in South Portland. Contributions may be made in his memory to: Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or The Shriner’s Burn Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.

She was born on Jan. 11, 1931 in Portland, the daughter of Joseph and Helen M. (Smith) Fournier and attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School. Mrs. Petty was a devoted mother and beloved Nana to her many grandchildren. She possessed a unique quality that many would strive to achieve; she never said a bad word toward anyone. She was a lady in every sense of the word. Irene enjoyed knitting and she would spend hours lovingly knitting hats and mittens for family members and friends. She loved going out to play Bingo and was a Red Sox fan. Her sense of humor and jokes kept the family gatherings light and joyous.

She is survived by four sons, Richard Petty of Portland, Joe Petty of Windham, James Petty of Naples and Kevin Petty of Westbrook; a sister, Patricia O’Donald of Michigan; and several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles R. Petty on Sept. 23, 1995; a brother, Les; and two sisters, Delores “Doe” and Lorraine.

A brief committal service was held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at Brooklawn Cemetery in Portland. A reception followed at the Hamlet at 665 Saco St., in Westbrook. To offer words of condolence, share a memory and to sign a guest book, please visit the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. Independent Death Care of 471 Deering Ave., is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to: the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Breast Cancer Foundation, attention Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.

He was born on Dec. 13, 1948, in Bronx, N.Y., and was the adored, adopted son of Jack and Ann (Quinn) Fearon. Chuck was raised and educated in New York, but spent many memorable summers in Wayne, usually joined by a number of Quinn family members. Chuck graduated from Sacred Heart University and worked as the Assistant Director of Administration for the Parks and Recreation Department in Westchester County until moving to Raymond. Chuck was not one to sit idle. He soon went to work at Jordan Bay Marina. Chuck loved spending time on his pontoon boat, “The Chuck Wagon,” with his wife Jackie, friends and family. He was a member of the Eagle’s Club in Windham where his fellow members have been so wonderful throughout his illness.

He is survived by his wife Jackie; and also an extended “step-family,” including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being raised as an only child, he was quite shocked in January 2007 to learn that he has another family; many of whom had also been adopted. He was blessed with approximately 14 siblings. Chuck had the pleasure of getting to know and love several of these “new” relatives. There will be a Celebration of Chuck’s Life on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m., at the Lakes Region Eagle’s Club, located in Windham, on Route 302, next to D’Angelo’s. To offer words of condolence or share a memory and to sign a guest book, please visit the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., in Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to: The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd., Scarborough, ME 04074

He was born on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1940, the youngest of 10 children born to John and Alice (Gray) Ruminski. He was a 1959 graduate of Cheverus High School and then served in the Air National Guard. Joe then became an apprentice brick mason for three years. Subsequently, Joe worked on many of the buildings around Portland, with his final job as a mason working on the new Cumberland County Jail. Mr. Ruminski possessed a natural ability of bringing people together, both fellow brick masons and those in management. He was a past president of Local 2 Bricklayers, a business administrator for Local 2 and he helped coordinate the merging of Local 2 Bricklayers Union into the International Bricklayers Union. After retiring from bricklaying, Joe went to work at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, where he was employed for the past 10 years. He loved working at Russell Hall and watching the kids getting ready for the productions they would be in. He would take pictures on his phone of the scenery in different stages of it being built, and was amazed by how they built the scenery right on premise and how real it always looked. Joe often talked about how talented the kids were. One of the many benefits of working at the campus was the many friendships that Joe cultivated. He and one of the professors always talked about painting and art. He also lent Joe books to read and encouraged him to seek out his interests in the museums in Ireland. Upon his retirement in July, Joe was proud of being presented with his rocking chair. Joe and his wife Cheryl operated a ceramic business during the summer. They taught classes at campgrounds in the area and during the fall made the circuit of checking out the many craft shows. Joe loved his family and enjoyed having them around, whether golfing with his son and grandson or having the company of his granddaughter for several weeks in the summer. When his granddaughter went to college, he enjoyed buying her favorite things and sending a care package to her. Joe was very proud of his grandson Tyler’s enlistment with the United States Army and being selected to serve in Special Forces as a Green Beret. Joe enjoyed golfing, reading, doing his daily Sudoku and traveling with his wife Cheryl to Ireland. Memories were made for a lifetime from those trips. Joe loved Ireland and anything Irish. While in Ireland, he traveled to the town of his grandmother’s birth and searched for his relatives. As a brick mason, he was fascinated with the stone work in the old abbeys, castles and churches in Ireland. Joe loved feeding the stray cats that came around. When the cold weather arrived, he would make shelters on the deck with lights to keep the cats warm and out of the cold and snow.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cheryl; a son, Joseph C. Ruminski Jr. of Winchester; a grandson and granddaughter; three adopted grandchildren; his sister, Evelyn Urbano of Gray; many nieces, nephews; great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life was held at Russell Hall at the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus on Monday, Oct. 5, 2009. A gathering followed at Charlie Beiggs Restaurant in North Windham. To offer words of condolence to the family, share memories and sign a guest book, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route One, Suite 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 or the Ronald McDonald House, 250 Brackett St., Portland, ME 04102.

She was born March 8, 1928, in Standish, to Harold W. Smith and Margaret F. Harmon Smith of Sebago Lake Village in Standish. Mary was the second of three children, her siblings being Philip and Jane Smith. Mary graduated from Standish High School in 1945, attended a Portland business school, and married Robert F. Cressey of Gorham on Sept. 2, 1949. They settled in Standish and had three children. From 1966 to her husband’s retirement, they lived in Georgetown, Mass., Augusta, Hampden, then settled on Peabody Pond in Sebago upon Bob’s retirement. Known for her energy, exuberance, and sense of humor, Mary was always busy with some productive activity. She loved tending her flower gardens, playing horseshoes, scrabble, and cards (Scorekeeper always wins). She was famous for her apple pies, which she generously shared with many (The pies, not the recipe). She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mary was always fun to be around, and will be greatly missed by all.

Surviving her are her husband Robert; and their children, Scott Cressey of El Cerrito, Calif., Wade Cressey of Bucksport and Bobbi J. Sturdivant of Newbury, Mass.; her sister, Jane (Smith) Gentry of Steep Falls; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service for Mary will be held next spring. Notification of the details will be issued at that time. Arrangements are by the Dolby and Dorr Funeral Chapel, Gorham. For those who wish, donations may be made to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route One #1, Scarborough, ME 04074 or www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org

A lifelong resident, he was born in Windham, a son of Harold J. and Winifred (Hall) Greenlaw and attended local schools. Following his education, he worked for Jim and Abe Morrell delivering lumber and for a brief time worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation. Always known as “Blowy,” he started working for the Town of Windham Public Works Department in 1949; and, remained there for 49 years until his retirement at the age of 68. While he was a member of the Windham Hill Church UCC and during his children’s younger years, he and his wife were very active in the church’s Youth Program. He was also a member of the Windham Historical Society, enjoyed his CB radio, gardening and his home. Another enjoyment was farming. He could regularly be seen helping his brothers, Phil and Bea, during hay season.

His wife, Irene (Meserve) Greenlaw died in 1998 and a son, Stephen D. Greenlaw in 1986.

Surviving is a son, Gordon B. Greenlaw of Windham; two daughters, Rosemary S. Greenlaw Chesley of Oxford and Roberta “Gail” Pomerleau of East Baldwin; a sister, M. Joan Clark of Gorham; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours were Monday, Oct. 5, 2009 at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. A funeral service at the chapel was held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009 with Pastor John Kozsey officiating. Burial followed at Smith Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: The Kidney Foundation of Maine, 630 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04104-1134.