Judson Earle “Jud” Cromwell, 74, of Westport Island, passed away surrounded by his family at his home on July 1.
Jud was born June 16, 1935 on Westport, the son of Herbert B. Cromwell, Sr. and Frances Austin Cromwell. He attended Westport schools and graduated with honors from Morse High School in Bath in 1953. In 1955 he married Althea Fitch of Dresden Mills. Jud worked as a machinist first class at Hyde Windlass Co. in Bath until he left in 1969 to take over his father’s lobster fishing business. He worked as a lobster fisherman until an unexpected retirement in 1982, as the result of a stroke.
Jud enjoyed hunting, fishing, coin and stamp collecting, and for many years enjoyed talking with and “meeting” new friends on his CB radio as “Redfish”. He was a master of and an occasional “quick hand” on the cribbage board.
Jud was a charter member of the Wiscasset Ambulance Service, as well as a member of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He was also involved in the School Committee and was a member of the Westport Conservation Committee when Clough Point on Westport was acquired.
Jud was a long-time member of the Lincoln Lodge #3 AF and AM.
He was predeceased by his father and mother; brothers, Charles L., Herbert B., Jr., Francis L.; and sister, Virginia C. Anderson.
Jud is survived by his sons, Thomas Arthur Cromwell and partner Robyn Allen, Michael Earle Cromwell and partner Sarah Rhinelander, Brian Edward Cromwell and partner Doreen Dennis and their son George; his former wife and caregiver, Althea Fitch Cromwell; grandchildren, Christopher Cromwell of Winterport and Michelle Moon of Chesterville; sister, Marjorie Pooler of Wiscasset; and brother, Calvin Cromwell and wife Joanne of Westport Island; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Maine, the Boothbay Region Humane Society or other charity of choice.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
