Ashley Lafayette Genthner Jr. died Oct. 15.
He lived in Thomaston for 32 years enjoying the home he shared with his wife Monica and their beloved animals. Ashley was born at home in Moxie Cove, Round Pound, April 15, 1927 to Clara (Leeman) and Ashley L. Genthner. As a youth, Ashley attended grade school in Medomak and high school in Waldoboro. He began his work career at Samples Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and was stationed at the air force base in Corpus Christi, Tex.
In 1950 Ashley married Monica Swears of Vinalhaven. They made their early homes in Connecticut, and on Vinalhaven, later moving to Waldoboro and then Thomaston. Throughout Ashley’s life he worked as a truck driver, lobsterman, and carpenter. He was an avid gardener, canning and freezing the food he grew. Ashley was a lover and protector of birds and spent many hours watching and feeding them. A fan of music, the arriving guest was often welcomed by the sound of country western, blue grass music and gospel tunes.
Ashley and his wife Monica spent much of their time enjoying the company of family, friends and neighbors. They were quick to lend a helping hand to those in need and shared their wisdom and blessings with others. Ashley will be sadly missed by those who knew him.
Ashley was predeceased by his wife, Monica in 2002; sister, Evelyn Reed, formerly of Friendship; sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Robert Andrews, formerly of Fort Meyers, Fla.; sister, Virginia Geele, formerly of Waldoboro; brother-in-law, Richard Britto Jr., formerly of Rockland; niece, Valerie Simmons, formerly of Friendship; and nephew, Drew Reed, formerly of Friendship.
He is survived by brothers-in-law, Phillie Reed of Friendship and Bryce Geele of Thomaston; nephews, Mark Reed, Wade Reed, Danny Reed, Duane Reed and Shawn Reed of Friendship; niece, Holly Flagg of Nobleboro; nephew, Robert Andrews Jr. of Durham; nephews, Kevin Genthner of Waldoboro and Chris Geele of Waldoboro; nieces, Donna Britto of Rockland and Rose Britto; several great-nieces and nephews; and his dog “Snoopy.”
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 5 at the German Cemetery in Waldoboro. A celebration of Ashley’s life will follow at his home in Thomaston.
Memorial donations in Ashley’s name may be made to the Pope Memorial, Humane Society of Knox County, 17 Buttermilk Lane, Thomaston, ME 04861.
