Bernard Paul Risley, 91, of Damariscotta, died Feb. 13 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta.
He was born Aug. 22, 1918 in Brockton, Mass., a son of the late Walter Vanover and Anna (Reardon) Risley.
Mr. Risley’s early schooling was in Binghampton, N.Y., and he was a graduate of Brockton High School, a member of the class of 1936. His first training as an aircraft mechanic was at Roosevelt Aviation School; he then apprenticed with American Airlines which was a four year program, graduating just as World War II broke out. He was then assigned to Presque Isle in the Aircraft Transport Command. He was then transferred overseas to Pestwick, Scotland where he stayed from March 1942 to August 1945. While there he met his wife, the former Catherine “Reenie” M. Fulton. The two were married in Glasgow in 1944. From there he spent time in the Azores, North Africa and Morocco arriving back in the United States before Christmas 1945. Resuming his job with American Airlines, he worked in California, Texas and New York until 1950 when he moved to Walpole, cleared land for a small airstrip, and built a shop for airplane repairs. Mr. Risley was an authorized Inspector for the F.A.A., performing annual inspections and participating at crash site investigations. As a member of the civilian branch of Aircraft Transport Command, through an act of Congress, he received an honorary discharge and veteran status from the U.S. Air Force in 1995. On August 23, 2003 he was the recipient of the distinguished Charles Taylor Award for outstanding service in the field of aviation mechanics.
In addition to his loving wife of more than 66 years, Reenie Risley of Damariscotta, he is survived by many cousins and lots of friends all over the world.
Should friends so desire, donations in Mr. Risley’s memory may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box #7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
At his request, there will be no services. Condolences for the family may be expressed at www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.