John G. Abbott, 96, of Damariscotta, went peacefully to his heavenly home on April 21, with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 1, 1918 in South Portland to the late Roland G. and Teresa (Johnson) Abbott.
John graduated from Wiscasset High School in 1936. He was a WWII veteran, having served in the Army from 1940-1945 in the 89th Infantry, known as the Rolling W. He was stationed primarily in the West Indies.
He married the love of his life, Stella Berce, Feb. 11, 1944 in Newcastle. She had completely captured his heart. Following her death in 1988, he made it perfectly clear that no one would, or could, ever take her place. There was no one else for him but his beloved “Stell.”
John’s greatest joy was time spent with his family. He was proud of each one, always taking great interest in them individually. He didn’t just love them, he loved them “very, very much.” He left a legacy of love.
John loved going on car rides. When he became unable to drive, he loved being chauffeured by his children or grandchildren and going out to eat along the way. He often wondered how many road miles he’d logged in his lifetime. These rides also stirred his love for God’s creation. He often took a camera along to capture moose, birds, and beautiful scenery.
He held a diversity of jobs including truck driver, pipe fitter, painter, and gas station attendant in the Damariscotta/Newcastle area. He celebrated his 80th birthday while working at Colby & Gale Service Station. He amazed many patrons that he was, indeed, 80, as he never looked his age.
He was a former member of Nobleboro First Baptist Church and the Assembly of God Church in Damariscotta.
John was a resident of Hodgdon Green in Damariscotta for the last two years, where he received loving care. He was always appreciative of every kind gesture, no matter how small.
John was predeceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Stella; parents; sister, Betty Lewis; brother, Elliott (Puckey); and twin brother, George.
He is survived by his sons, Leigh (Nancy) of Jefferson, George (Sandy) of Carrabassett Valley, and John II (Norma) of Ridgecrest, Cal.; daughters, Julie (Bob) Houtz of Pittston, and Mitzi (Lyndon) Delano of Damariscotta; grandchildren, Tyler (Crystal) Abbott of Waldoboro, Travis (Michelle) Abbott of Jefferson, Laura (David) Thompson of Waldoboro, Chad (Suzanne) Abbott of Wilton, Corie Dorrian of Fredericksburg, Va., John (Pearlene) Abbott III of Kingman, Ariz., April (Shawn) Feltis of Nobleboro, Stefanie (Randy) McClintick of Nobleboro, Aaron Delano of Damariscotta, and Lindsay (John) Sproul of Round Pond; 27 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of John’s life at 11 a.m., Sat., May 3 at Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A private graveside service will be held at Grover Cemetery in Wiscasset at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Hodgdon Green Assisted Living, 6 Hodgdon St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
