Calvin Cheney, 90, of Pittston, passed away at his home on the evening of May 7. Born in Head Tide on May 13, 1925 in the Dole House, where he lived for 25 years, he was the son of Albro and Nina (Jones) Cheney.
Calvin attended Alna schools, Lincoln Academy, and completed night school at Kennebec School of Commerce. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and served with the Navy Seabees, serving on Tinian in the Mariana Islands from 1944 – 1946.
He married Jo Ann “Jody” Buckler on Jan. 1, 1956, and the couple raised their family together. He worked as a bookkeeper for the local Chevrolet dealership, and at the Alna Store for several years. He was Alna’s bus driver for a while, and served the town as First Selectman for over six years. He worked at Graffam Gardens for a short time, but the majority of his working career was as a mechanic for Weeks-Waltz Motors in Newcastle for over 25 years, from where he retired in 1985.
In more recent years, he produced maple syrup, and made and sold toaster tongs which became world famous. He and Jody spent four winters in Largo, Fla. from 2002-2006. He was also a trustee and deacon at the Newcastle-Alna Baptist Church.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Jody; and daughter, Linda Pinkham.
He is survived by sons, Jack Cheney and wife Daphne Clark, and Paul Cheney and wife Tammy; grandchildren, Joshua Cheney, Sylvi Ward, Jessica Tillson and Christopher Pinkham; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A service to honor Calvin’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sat., May 14 at the Newcastle-Alna Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Newell officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his wife and daughter in the Alna Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newcastle-Alna Baptist Church, PO Box 605, Alna, ME 04535.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta.
