Cassius A. York, 72, of Coopers Mills, passed away due to complications from surgery at Maine Medical Center in Portland during the early morning hours of Nov. 24 surrounded by his family. “Cracker” was born on Nov. 25, 1936 in Windsor, the youngest son of Maurice York and Susie Scribner York.
He attended grammar school in Coopers Mills and attended Cony High School before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1955. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant during his 12 years of service, which included two years of active duty in Vietnam as an aircraft mechanic. Following his discharge from the Air Force in 1967, he went to work at International Paper Mills in Jay as a paper tender, where he worked for 21 years. After moving back to Coopers Mills in 1988, he was employed by Central Maine Power until his retirement in 1999.
On Nov. 23, 1957, he married Belva Brann in Randolph, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage together. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family and friends. A true Maine storyteller, he always had a way of telling tales that tickled your funny bone and touched your heart. He was a Master Mason at the Riverside Masonic AF & AM Lodge #135, Jefferson, and a member of the VFW Post 3335 in Livermore Falls.
Cassius was predeceased by his parents; brother, Walter “Bud” York; sister, Barbara York Brann; and grandson, Owen M. York.
He is survived by his loving wife Belva; sister, Agnes Benoit and husband Arthur of Portland; sons, Steven A. York and wife Raeleen of Jay, Stanley A. York and longtime companion Tom Pilsbury of Palermo, and Scott N. York and wife Dominique of West Bend, Wis.; grandchildren, Jenna and Ryan York of Jay, and Nathan York of West Bend, Wis.; step-grandchildren, Stephen Pilsbury of Spring Grove, Va., and Benjamin Pilsbury of South China; step-great-grandson, Teagan Pillsbury of South China; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
At Cassius’ request, there will be no funeral service. Private family celebration of life 2 p.m., Sat., Nov. 28 at the family home and the burial will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions can contribute to the Coopers Mills Fire Department on Main St., Coopers Mills, ME 04341.
Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home website at www.plummerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor.
