OBITUARIES from Thursday, January 25, 2024
BRADLEY P. FARRINGTON
South China- Bradley Paul Farrington, 65, passed away peacefully Friday, December 22, 2023. He was born, in Waterville, on October 11, 1958, to Paul Lawrence Farrington and Carmaleta (Wood) Farrington.
Brad grew up in South China where his parents owned and operated Farrington’s Clothing and Footwear. He spent many summers enjoying swimming and water skiing on China Lake.
Brad was extremely talented and knowledgeable in the polyurethane foam and forestry industries. He often spoke and told stories of his time spent in upstate New York, spraying foam. Brad spent many years working in the woods and logging until an unfortunate accident occurred.
Brad hauled cars for Farrington’s Auto Sales, developing a passion for driving at a young age. Throughout the 1980s he built and drove many cars and earned Rookie of the Year and numerous checkered flags. He would be seen spending most weekend evenings at his home track, Unity Raceway. He could also be seen turning laps at many other tracks throughout the state. He later passed that love of cars and racing to his son, Jeff. Brad spent the last few years of his life back at the track, alongside his longtime friend Nelson, watching and helping his son race. Brad was often joined in the pits by his biggest fan, his grandson, Alder.
Brad was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Carmaleta Farrington.
He is survived by his sister, Kimberly Greenleaf and spouse Kathy; her son Clinton Greenleaf, spouse Ashley and kids; his ex-wife Robin Mank and their three children, Elizabeth Canders and her spouse Jason Canders, Jeffery Farrington and his fiancée Amber Lavigne, and Megan Farrington; his six grandchildren, Lance, Willow, Bristol, London, Alder Paul, and Banyan Bradley; and many cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers or for those who desire to make a donation in Brad’s memory can do so through the Erskine Academy Memorial Fund.
PATRICIA M. MASSEY
WINSLOW -Patricia M. Massey, 86, of Winslow, passed away peacefully at Northern Light Continuing Care – Lakewood, on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Patricia was born on September 20, 1937, in Waterville, the youngest child of Arthur and Obelia (Grenier) Gagne.
Patricia married the love of her life, Donald Massey, on September 21, 1957. Patricia spent most of her adult life caring for others. She was a CNA at both the Waterville Osteopathic Hospital and Lakewood Manor Nursing Home, in Waterville, until her retirement in 1991.
Patricia was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always so proud of everyone’s accomplishments. The special bond she created with each and every family member, especially those with her children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter and nieces, Cindy and Renee, will forever be held in their hearts.
When she wasn’t tending to her flower gardens, you could find Patricia cooking and baking in her kitchen. She loved looking through recipe books and making soup every week for her family. She was always up for an adventure and created many memories with her family at camp on Moosehead Lake.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents; her husband Donald; sons Bruce and Michael Massey; sisters Theresa Jesmer, Lorette Sawlivich and Simone Sawlivich; brothers Romeo, Lawrence and Norris Gagne; and son-in-law Todd Labbe.
Patricia is survived by her children Brenda Massey-Labbe and Todd Massey, and wife Cheryl; grandchildren Brittney Massey-Labbe, Kurt Massey and partner Angela, Brian Massey and wife Summer, and Kayla Massey; great-granddaughter Melody Massey; and several nieces and nephews.
Per Patricia’s wishes, a small private family service will be held.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Activity Fund for Residents at Northern Light Continuing Care – Lakewood, 220 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME 04901.
SHIRLEY J. MICHAUD
WINDSOR—Shirley Jean Michaud, 79, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long Term Care at Glenridge. She was born September 10, 1944, a daughter of Harry and Alice (Rhino) Partridge.
Shirley grew up in the Gardiner area where she received her education. Following school she married Richard Michaud. Shirley worked for many years in the shoe shop, and later for Pine State Beverage until retirement.
Shirley was an avid Bingo player, competing in various bingo halls in the Gardiner area. She enjoyed knitting and creating mittens for family and friends. Shirley will be remembered for her colorful personality.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; an infant daughter, Carol Ann Michaud; son in law, James Bishop; and her siblings, Gerald Partridge, Janice Feeney, Judy Cadwallader, John Partridge, Marsha Rogers, and an infant baby brother, Donald Michaud.
She is survived by her daughter, Bobbi Lynn Bishop; her granddaughter, Jennifer Bishop; her great-grandson, Ross; and many nieces and nephews.
No services are being held. Her urn will be interred at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.
STANLEY CUMMINGS
SIDNEY – Stanley “Red” Cummings, 70, passed away at home, Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was born May 21, 1953.
Red was the “go to guy” for his large family and neighbors. He owned Cummings Garage for many years. If you needed something fixed or the tool to do it he had it and would help you. Red loved his family, animals, wildlife, hunting, fishing, cutting wood, gardening and cooking. Red had a love for cars at a young age and he said ” if it didn’t have wheels and an engine he wasn’t interested.” He built a truck and several wood buggies. He was a very hard worker, so driven in life, a loving and kind man. He lived on “Cummings Hill” his whole life. The hill won’t be the same without him!
Red is survived by his wife, Holly (Jeannotte) Cummings; daughter Jennifer Blanche and husband Michael, of Virginia; son Patrick Cummings, of Sidney, and partner Shelly Frost; grandson, Garrett Hume currently serving in the U.S. Navy; brothers Harland Cumming Sr. and wife Noella, and Robert Cummings and wife Diane, all of Sidney, David Cummings Sr. and wife Robin, of Litchfield, Stephen Cummings and wife Carol, of Waterville; sisters Diane Cummings, of Farmingdale, Darlene Crowe and husband Gary, of Belgrade, Ellen Witham and husban, and nephews and cousins; and one aunt, Mary Choate, of North Augusta.
He was predeceased by his father, Stanley Cummings Sr., mother, Lorraine (Folger) Cummings; and great-niece, Halee Cummings.
Arrangements under the care of Mid Maine Cremation Services. Per Red’s wishes there will be no services.
PAMELA HAYDEN
WINSLOW – Pamela Hayden, 64, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2024. Pamela was born August 1, 1959, in Hartland, the daughter of Keith C. and Maxine E. (Collins) Corson.
Pam graduated from Madison High School with the class of 1977. Later in life she attended Central Maine Community College, in Auburn, graduating with an associate’s degree as a medical assistant. Employers included Norwalk Shoe, New Balance Shoe, Jay Paper Mill, and MaineGeneral Medical Center. Pam ended her career working as a medical assistant at Maine General Express Care, in Waterville, where she was best known for her outstanding work ethic and bedside manner.
Pam was a one-of-a-kind, remarkable woman. She was not only a hard-working employee but also a warm and loving mother and nana to her family. Always willing to help any way she could, Pam took great care of her grandchildren throughout the years. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was kind, thoughtful, and very generous. She was known to even be the life of the party. Pam never wanted to burden anyone, no matter how complicated the journey, and made the best of every situation.
She is survived by her son Ryan and his wife Melissa, as well as her adopted son Todd; grandchildren Ashley, Allison, Abby, Gavyn, and Emma; great-grandchildren Nicholas Jr., Zoie, Amelia, and Esme; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Pam was predeceased by both parents, grandparents, and her husband Wilder Hayden in 1999.
In the spring, she will be laid to rest with her parents at Mt. Rest Cemetery, in Athens, the town in which she grew up.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home.
JEFFREY A. TIBBETTS
WATERVILLE – Jeffrey A. Tibbetts, 68, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jeff was born to Harry and Leona Tibbetts, of Oakland, on April 25, 1955.
He grew up in Oakland and attended Messalonskee High School.
Upon diagnosis, he told his daughters that he was going to “fight the fight of his life” to stay with the family he loved so very much, and that he did.
He loved driving big trucks and his love for that helped him grow a life long career at Waste Management. Jeff was with Waste Management for over 30 years when he was forced into retirement. He was a hard worker and he always provided for his family. So much that several times during his illness, and even in his last days he would comment, “I wish I was still working”. He loved his Waste Management Family so very much and our family is so grateful to them. They have helped us each step of the way.
Jeff enjoyed old cars and went to every car show he could drag Wendi to! They took many trips to the coast together and even a cruise on the Scotia Prince, to Nova Scotia. They also took trips to Rangeley for long weekends alone.
Jeff had a huge heart and was a very loyal friend. He also had a very good sense of humor, which stayed with him until the end. He was an inspiration to all who sat at his bedside. He was a favorite of many of his nurses in hospice, as well as his doctor.
Jeff was predeceased by both parents, along with his wife Wendi Tibbetts, who passed away in May 2019.
He leaves behind his daughter, Katrina Tibbetts, her fiancé, TJ Vigue and their sons Braeden and Kyleb, all of Waterville; his stepdaughter Tawni Lively, her husband Ed Lively, of Winslow, and their children, daughter, Devyn Lively, of Winslow; son Justin Lively, of Raymond, and daughter Jennifer Jimino, of Windham, together with their families; and his stepdaughter Tara True and her husband Arthur True, along with their children Mackenzie and Joshua, all of Albion; his sister, Judy Smith, of Lewiston; and his niece, Rebecca Smith, of Lewiston; along with several nieces and nephews.
A service and Celebration of Life was held at Blessed Home Church, 10 Pleasant Street, Waterville, on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
ROBERT J. ROUX
VASSALBORO – Robert J. Roux, 96, of North Vassalboro, passed away Friday, January 12, 2024, at home. Bob was born, in Waterville, on October 1, 1927, son to Wallace and Lenore (Mercier) Roux.
Bob grew up in Waterville and attended Waterville schools until he joined the U.S. Navy and received his GED. He proudly served in World War II, from 1944 to 1946, and then in the Korean War from 1952 to 1956. Upon his return he began working for Harris Bakery and retired from Colby College, both in Waterville.
Bob loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. His favorite thing to do was fishing in Greenville. In later years he enjoyed going to camp with his friend, Keith Lemieux.
Bob was predeceased by his parents; wife, Rita; son-in-law, Dennis Weston; brothers Donald, Erland, Roland, and Bernard, sisters Gladys and Arlene.
Bob is survived by his daughters Robin Reagan and Rhonda Weston; son, Randall Roux with wife Irene; grandchildren Casey Reagan, Kate Beaulieu with husband Nathan, Ryan Pleau with partner Tiana, Joseph Weston with partner Samantha, Jeff Roux with wife Arica, Matthew Roux with wife Ruth, Justin Roux, Tim Dibenedetti with wife Tracey, Sarah with husband Henry; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Juliette; along with several nieces and nephews.
A service was held at the Veterans Chapel, at 163 Mt. Vernon Ave., Augusta, on January 24. A celebration of life followed.
Arrangements are in the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services in Skowhegan where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/robert-roux-2024.
JOHN J. COSTELLO III
ALBION – John James Costello III, 68, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024. He was born December 22, 1955, a son of John Costello Jr. and Evelyn (Sherwood) Wright.
John grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Eli Whitney Tech. As a young man he moved to Maine, spending his young adult life in Jackman. He spent the last 24 years living in Albion.
He was employed by Sheridan Construction as a project supervisor. On the weekends he enjoyed dancing at Crystal Falls, in Augusta, and in his spare time, target shooting.
He is survived by his children, Natalie, JJ, and Monique; his sister, Linda; his aunt, Joan; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A period of visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, from 4 to 6 p.m., Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. A graveside service will be held in the spring in Jackman.
Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.
RONALD M. JACKSON
WASHINGTON – Ronald Merrill Jackson, 77, of Washington, passed away on Wednesday, December. 20, 2023, at Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta. Born on January 7, 1946, in Damariscotta.
Ronald was a father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
After high school, Ronald served in the United States Air Force. He proudly represented the United States during his time as a communication electronic technician from 1963 to 1967.
Following his military service, Ron dedicated the majority of his life to being self-employed. His companies ranged from logging and driving trucks over the road to working on trucks and equipment. Later on, he operated a shop, salvage yard, and sold used cars. Ron was known for his constant wheeling and dealing, trying to find how to make his next buck.
Ron had a variety of interests and hobbies. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and enjoyed the thrill of watching the races. One of his favorite pastimes was owning a late-model stock car which he raced at Wiscasset Speedway. Ron also had a passion for hunting, camping, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox. He had a knack for knowing how to fix anything that came through his garage from cars, to equipment, to diesel trucks. “Jack” knew how to fix it all!
He is survived by his sons, Ronald E. Jackson, and daughter-in-law, Nancy Jackson, of Manchester, Connecticut, and Matthew Jackson, of Hope; his daughter, Tori Jackson, of Waldoboro; his grandsons, Dylan Jackson, Ethan Jackson, Zachary Daniello, and Jackson Simmons; his granddaughter Lindsay Jackson; and his sister Suzanne “Suzie” Jackson, of North Carolina.
Ronald was predeceased by his parents, Merrill A. Jackson, and Dorothy “Dot” Jackson, his brothers Rodney Jackson, Michael Jackson, Richard “Ricky” Jackson, and James “Jimmy” Jackson, and his sisters Joyce Jackson and Marilyn Teele.
A private memorial service will be held to honor Ronald’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to a veteran support organization of your choice.
DAVID A. RODRIGUE
FAIRFIELD – David A. Rodrigue, 77, of Fairfield, passed unexpectedly. Born June 21, 1945, in Waterville, he was the second oldest son of Louis Rodrigue and Jeanette LaCroix Rodrigue.
David grew up in Waterville, attending local schools.
A master upholsterer, he operated Dave’s Upholstery for 10 years and later worked for Northern Mattress Co., of Fairfield, retiring in his ‘60s. In retirement, David rehabbed homes and collected rent.
He leaves behind one son, David E. Rodrigue Jr. Together, they enjoyed spending time on various projects. As well as his only granddaughter, Heather, who he adored, and loved spending time with.
David was characterized by his strong work ethic and good sense of humor. He took pride in driving his newer pickup truck and providing safe, clean, and affordable housing for his tenants.
David is survived by his son, David E. Rodrigue, of Fairfield; granddaughter, Heather Lynn Ximiness; and great-granddaughter, Sophia Mae Bechard; his brother, Francois Rodrigue, of Vassalboro; and sister, Theresa M. Henderson, of Rockland.
He was predeceased by his father, Louis, mother, Jeanette; brother, Roger Rodrigue, of Tennessee, sister, Germaine Bell, of Bangor, and brother, Paul Rodrigue, of Canaan.
The family has requested no visitation. No burial per request of the family. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Date and time to be determined.
OTHERS DEPARTED
SUSAN L. CASWELL
BONNEY LAKE, Washington – Susan Laurie Caswell, 64, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at her home in Bonney Lake, Washington. She was born Susan Laurie Bickford, in Waterville, on April 12, 1959, to Stanley Amos Bickford and Joanne Alice Fales. She was the youngest of three girls and had three older brothers and two younger brothers.
Susan grew up on the family farm in Benton, which is where her love of horses began, and continued throughout her life. On the farm there was an ornery pony, several horses and her special Arabian named Reka.
She attended Benton Elementary School and Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, graduating with the class of 1977. After graduation she moved to Washington D.C. She worked as a dental hygienist at the infamous Watergate office building.
In the early 1980s she moved back to Maine and met and married Dan Caswell in 1988. She and Dan lived in South Portland where daughter, Kelly, was born and then at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where their son, Matthew, was born.
She was predeceased by her brother, Patrick in 1984; her daughter, Hilary J. Sperrey in 1997; and her father in 2003 and mother in 2018.
Susan is survived by her husband, Daniel T. Caswell, of Bonney Lake, Washington; her daughter, Kelly J. and her husband Doug Ault, of San Diego, California; her son, Matthew P. Caswell and fiancée Alysha Brown and her grandson, Baker B. Caswell, of Sumner, Washington; two sisters, Maureen Blodgett and husband Terry, of Benton, Brenda Welch and her husband Bill, of Auburn; and four brothers, Tim and partner Jackie, of Benton, Mahlon and his husband Don, of Unity, Bruce Bickford, of Auburn, and Stanley and his wife Stacey, of Woburn, Massachusetts; as well as countless cousins and nieces and nephews.
Honoring her wishes, her family will hold private celebrations of her life on the East Coast and the West Coast.
GERARD HALLEE
PORTLAND, Oregon – Gerard (Jerry) Hallee, 83, of Portland, Oregon, passed away recently. He was born in Waterville, on October 13, 1940, the son of Florian F. and Constance (Tardiff) Hallee.
He was raised on the family dairy farm on Marston Road, and graduated from Waterville High School in 1959. After attending M.I.T, he relocated to southern California and started a career as a computer programmer/analyst. He was a passionate bridge player and was a member of the team that won the prestigious Vanderbilt Bridge Trophy in 1969.
In 1971 Gerard married Karen Torbergson of Seattle, Washington, and later relocated to Snohomish, Washington. They had two sons, Justin Hallee, of Longview, Washington, and Steven Hallee, of Lake Stevens, Washington. Gerard was a frequent bridge player during his retirement in Portland, Oregon.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Karen, and his brother Neal D. (Peggy) Hallee, of Auburn.
He is survived by his sons, Justin and Steven; his partner Leslie Kelinson; brothers Alan P. (Linnea) Hallee, of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Gary J. Hallee, of Seattle, Washington; sisters, Claudette L. (Pearly) Simpson, of Waterville, and Lori A. Saleski (John Slusarz), of New Boston, New Hampshire; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.
There will be a private family memorial in Waterville in the fall.
Responsible journalism is hard work!
It is also expensive!
If you enjoy reading The Town Line and the good news we bring you each week, would you consider a donation to help us continue the work we’re doing?
The Town Line is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit private foundation, and all donations are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Service code.
To help, please visit our online donation page or mail a check payable to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. Your contribution is appreciated!
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!