John A. Andrews, 76, of Damariscotta, passed away at his home on Oct. 9. Born in Damariscotta on June 30, 1936, he was the son of Alberto and Effie (Perkins) Andrews.
John grew up in Damariscotta and attended local schools. In 1959, at the age of 23, he started working at the First National Bank when it was at its previous location on Main Street. When the bank moved to its current location in 1962, John moved with them.
He started working part-time, but in 1972 it became a full-time position. Whether it was locking up at night, keeping the building clean, or shoveling snow, John was a loyal and hardworking employee. He retired in 2006, after 47 total years at The First.
John was also a longtime projectionist for the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta. He started with the theater in the early 1970s and continued until his death. He received the reels and got them ready for the shows, maintained the projectors, and throughout the years he trained countless individuals in how to use them.
A 60-year member of the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle, John started attending with his parents. In memory of his mother, who passed away in 1989, he donated a new sound system to the church. He had a passion for photography, and could often be found behind the lens of a camera at various church functions.
John recorded Sunday church services every week, first on audiocassette, and more recently to DVD. Theses recordings were distributed to the Lincoln Home, Cove’s Edge, Schooner Cove and to other church members who couldn’t get out of their homes, for them to view each week.
Every morning for many years, John would raise the flag at the bank in town, and it was John who climbed to the top of the Damariscotta Baptist Church steeple to wind the clock by hand. John was a quiet and gentle soul who would help anyone in need, and our community has lost man who literally kept parts of our town ticking.
Memorial service for John, 2 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 18 at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. He will be laid to rest privately with his parents in the Glidden Cemetery on the River Road in Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Second Congregational Church, PO Box 243, Newcastle, ME 04553 or to the Lincoln Home, 22 River Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553.
Condolences, and memories of John, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
