OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 19, 2023

GERRY L. WRIGHT

WINSLOW – Gerry L. Wright, 89, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at his home, in Winslow. He was born March 18, 1934, in Lewiston, at Central Maine Medical Center, to Paul and Bertha (Miller) Wright.

Gerry began playing piano at the tender age of 7 and continued with select learning about playing piano through 2002 with instructors such as Peter Re, (Colby College) Katherine Foley, (UMO), and Fred Green, (Boston, Mass.).

He graduated from Edward Little High School, in Auburn, in 1952, and Thomas College, in Waterville, in 1969, then continued his education further, graduating from the University of Maine at Orono in 1982.

After graduating from Edward Little High School on a Friday evening in 1952, he moved to Waterville that weekend, hired by the Templeton Hotel, in Waterville, as a pianist. This kicked off his 71-year career as a musician and teacher. While his family would love to list all the musicians with whom Gerry performed, all the clubs at which he performed, and all the students with whom Gerry taught musical education up and down the East Coast, space in this newspaper would not allow.

A Musical Tribute to celebrate Gerry’s life will be held on Sunday, October 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., at The Performing Arts Center, in Oakland (Messalonskee High School) with The Al Corey Big Band under the direction of Brian Nadeau. A full listing of Gerry’s resume will be available as inspiration for those just starting or continuing a life in the world of music.

Gerry’s life as a music teacher began in 1970 at SAD #47, in Oakland. This “gig” lasted until 1998 at which time he was employed by The Gifted and Talented program for Oakland, Waterville, and Fairfield choral music until 2004. From 2005 until 2018 Gerry taught at Maine Central Institute, (MCI), in Pittsfield (vocal and piano music). After “retiring,” Gerry continued performing and accompanying musicians until 2023. During his “downtime,” he provided music for the Mt. Washington Hotel, in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, for 27 years with occasional private concerts.

Gerry started working at Al Corey’s Music Center, in Waterville, in 1962 as a clerk in the store, which then led to an illustrious career with Al and his band throughout the rest of both gentlemen’s careers. Gerry had planned to play with the Al Corey Band, in November, of this year (so, he never actually did retire).

Gerry met Fred Petra in 1952 and played with the Fred Petra Band, in New England and Canada, until 1998. He also played with his longtime friend and fellow musician, Don Doane, and his “Portland Gang” throughout his career.

Gerry was the pianist with the Tony Bruno Orchestra, from Boston, Massachusetts, which allowed him to perform with Elvis Presley.

Gerry would say we were remiss if we didn’t mention his deep affection for Steve Fotter, Andy Forster, Chris Neville and Brian Nadeau, and the memories they shared from all the years of working together and their friendship.

Gerry is survived by his wife and best friend of 48 years, Sharon (Philbrick) Wright; his daughter, Jennifer Wright, of Mount Vernon; granddaughters Kassidy Freitas (Jo), of Augusta, and Evelyn Giroux, of Mount Vernon; several nieces, and nephews; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law.

He was predeceased by his son, Steven L. Wright; his parents; his brother, Paul; his mother and father-in-law, Ray, and Florence (Keene) Philbrick; sister and brother-in-law, Rae Ann (Philbrick) and Darrell Brann.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photo’s may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the “Gerry L. Wright Summer Camp Scholarship,”, c/o Messalonskee High School Music Department,, 131 Messalonskee High Dr., Oakland, ME 04963.

JANICE C. QUIRION

WATERVILLE – Janice Caroline Quirion, 77, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023. She was born on April 22, 1946, in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Romeo Quirion and Helen Chitty.

Janice, also known as “Ma”, was a very loving and caring woman with a heart of gold. She was deeply devoted to her family and loved them immensely. Janice had a fulfilling career at Lipman’s Processing Plant, in Augusta, before becoming a homemaker, which she found to be her most enjoyable career. She dedicated herself to raising and taking care of her four boys and her husband.

Janice was predeceased by her father Romeo Quirion, mother Helen Chitty, brothers, Danny, Timmy, Bruce; and sisters, Sheila, Bedilia, and Linda.

Janice is survived by her sons, Ernest Royer and his partner Leslie, Henry Royer and his wife Leslie, Seth Reynolds and his wife Summer, Richard Reynolds and his wife Kassie; sister Brenda Bartlett; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Pond Cemetery, in Unity, Maine, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2 p.m. Service to be officiated by Pastor Mark Tanner, of the Skowhegan Confederated Church, of Skowhegan.

Janice’s family invites you to visit her memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/janice-c-e-quirion to send condolences, share photos, and special memories.

GERALD CORBIN

WINSLOW – Gerald “Jerry” Corbin passed away on Friday October 6, 2023. Jerry was born on June 27, 1945, in Waterville, the son of Claude and Germaine (Doucette) Corbin.

Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 – 1968, in France and Massachusetts. He served most of his career working at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, and then at Sappi Mill, in Skowhegan, until he retired. After retirement Jerry and wife Jan spent winters in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 20 years. They enjoyed spending time with the family and also with their special friends (the Gang), both in Florida and also in Maine.

He loved the ocean and the beach, playing tennis with great friends as well as dancing, cooking and going to concerts. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by both his parents; brothers, Fernand, Maurice, and Roger; and his oldest grandson Daniel Clark.

Jerry is survived by his spouse of 59 years Janice (Nabarowsky) and their three children, Kevin Corbin with his wife Diana, Laurie Denis with her husband Todd, Ken Corbin; grandchildren, Thomas Tibbetts, Ben Corbin, Dalton Denis, Nick Denis, Logan Denis with his fiancée Emily Manocchio, and Joscelyn Denis.

Jerry will be interred with military honors at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., in Augusta, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 2 p.m.

Please visit Jerry’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/gerald-corbin to send condolences, share photos, and special memories.

TAMMY L. THERIAULT

CLINTON – Tammy Lee Theriault, 51, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, following a very long battle with cancer. Tammy was born on September 18, 1972, in Waterville, to Carolyn and Roland Theriault.

Tammy was a very loving mother to three children, and seven grandchildren. She lived a full and vibrant life with more friends than you could count, and spent many years with her soulmate, Robert H. Myers, before his passing. Her nieces and nephews meant more to her than words can describe. Family was everything to her. She would give you her last dime if she knew if would make you smile. She endured many tragic events in her short life, but it never diminished her look on life, or her contagious smile. She helped you believe that all things were possible even after battling her third round of cancer. Her faith was relentless.

She was predeceased by both her parents Carolyn and Roland Theriault; grandparents John and Lavina Thomas, grandparents Pete and Eve Terrio; three brothers, Daniel, Bruce, and Justin Theriault; nephew Jason; as well as her life partner Robert H Myers.

Tammy is survived by her son Austin Theriault; daughters Megan and Melinda along with their families; siblings, Brenda Tuttle with her husband Alton, Karen Reid, Roland Theriault with wife Amy, Steven Theriault, Scott Theriault, Belinda Sweatt with her husband Brian; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and special loved one.

All are welcome to attend Tammy’s celebration of life, taking place at St. Bridget Center, 864 Main Street in Vassalboro, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services in Skowhegan.

For more service details or donation options, please visit the public page ~ Celebration of life for Tammy Lee Theriault on Facebook.

MARTHA M. DOORE

ALBION – Martha Marie Cassidy Doore, 91, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Martha was born on July 30, 1932, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Joseph Edward and Blanche Cilley Cassidy.

She grew up in Brownville, where she met the love of her life, Charles Doore. They married in 1951 and moved to Waterville after Charles finished serving his country in the U.S. Army. In 1959 they made their home in Albion where they raised their family and she remained for 63 years before moving to Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville.

Martha, along with Charles, worked tirelessly to provide a loving home for their children. She always found time to help others, especially when children were involved. She belonged to the PTA, serving as president for several years. She was an active supporter of the Boy Scouts, in Albion, as a fundraiser and Cub Scout Den Mother. She served as town clerk and tax collector for many years. She loved her years as the librarian for Albion Elementary School, and later in life she worked tirelessly to help fund, found, and build the Albion Public Library.

Out of her love for the Lord and her love for children she was active in her local church, serving as deaconess, secretary, and Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. She led the Good News Club for many years, inviting children to come to her home to hear about God’s Love and the way of salvation. She will be remembered as a compassionate and generous person with a playful sense of humor. She loved books, music, art, and poetry and found the beauty in God’s creation, enjoying long walks, flowers, and wildlife.

Martha was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Charles, son Charles Doore Jr, son-in-law Ronald LeBlanc, as well as her siblings Lewis, Earl, Edith, and Merrill.

She is survived by sons Stephen Doore and wife Penny, of Hallowell, James Doore and wife Nancy, of Albion; daughters Patricia LeBlanc, of Albion, Kathleen Ladd and husband Ron Alan, of Albion; son Brian Doore and wife Stacy, of Waterville; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren along with their families.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 10 a.m., at the East Benton Christian Church, followed by burial at Sweet Cemetery, in Atkinson.

Martha’s family invites you to visit her memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/martha-doore to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Albion Public Library, PO Box 355, Albion, ME 04910.

ERIC V. NELSON

FAIRFIELD – Eric Vincent Nelson, 38, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, in Bangor. He was born on October 30, 1984, in Waterville.

Eric graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and worked as a carpenter.

Eric had a kind heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He loved hiking, the great outdoors, working with his hands, and spending time with friends.

Eric was predeceased by his mother, Wendy Johnson.

He is survived by his father Michael Nelson, stepmother Ellen Nelson; sister Sarah Briley and her wife Ty Briley; his nephews, Asher and Beckett Perkins; cousin Laura Weatherbee; as well as many loving family members and friends.

An informal memorial service was held on Wednesday, October 18, at the home of Peter and Melinda Nelson, at 13 Patterson Ave. in Winslow.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

PETER A. SERRADA

ROME – Peter Anthony Serrada, 76, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home. Peter was born in Flushing, New York, on August 23, 1947, the son of the late Frank & Mary (Palenzona) Serrada.

At the age of 12 Peter became fascinated with Astronomy, which stayed with him his entire lifetime. Peter graduated from Rider University in Trenton, New Jersey, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In 1966 Peter joined the U.S. Navy and served his country on the USS Howard Gilmore until an honorable discharge in 1968. In the 1970s, Peter would visit the area where his future home would be built, having a camp placed on the property prior to the house built, so he was able to enjoy hunting and the land.

In 1982, he met Colleen VanHouten , at a Catholic dinner dance…and in February 1984 they were married in Saint Bartholemew Church in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Peter had purchased land in Rome, Maine, and shortly after their marriage brought Colleen to what would be their forever home. His years of employment as a CPA as a Civil Servant for the State of New Jersey and retired in 1997 from his profession as an Internal Auditor for Union County, New Jersey. After his retirement Peter and Colleen moved to Maine and built their forever home.

Peter had a love for Astronomy as well as a love and appreciation for the woods, especially oak trees. When constructing their new home in Maine, Peter was able to have a home dome incorporated in the project so he would be able to view the stars. Once settled in Maine, Peter met Dr. Magri at the University of Maine at Farmington, a fellow Astronomer, and their love of astronomy created a friendship. He taught a course in Intro to Astronomy at Gold Leaf at UMF in which he was a founding member. He enjoyed being a local astronomer for the Astronomy 101 Course at the University of Maine-Orono with Dr. Batuski.

Peter was enthralled for over 35 years at the Stellafane Convention, in Springfield, Vermont, a convention for telescope makers, which Peter had built numerous ones. He enjoyed inviting folks to his home dome to view the nights sky and all its wonder. Colleen and Peter loved to travel to areas where a solar eclipse could be viewed, experiencing the eclipse in both Mexico and Idaho. Peter was also a lifetime member of the Kennebec Rock & Mineral Club, attending many conventions and collecting various rocks and minerals he displayed in their home. He also found great enjoyment in reading a good nonfiction book…usually a text on building telescopes while smoking one of his various pipes.

Peter is survived by his wife of 39 years, Colleen, and many cousins in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

His Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, October 18, at St. Joseph Church, 133 Middle Street, Farmington, with Father Paul Dumais officiating. Burial took place immediately following the Mass, in Brookside Cemetery, Rome, with full military honors.

Visit Peter’s Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com to share fond memories and condolences. Honored to be caring for the family of Peter A. Serrada is Wiles Remembrance Center – Farmington.