Leonard Sherman Prior, 80, of Bristol Mills, passed away July 13 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. He was the son of LeRoy Prior and Florence (Murphy) Blake. He attended the Round Pond Washington School, graduating the eighth grade, leaving school to help with his father’s seafood business.
On Dec. 25, 1948 he took Mary Ella Prentice as his wife, they celebrated their 61st anniversary on Christmas day. Leonard worked for S. F. Prentice and Son for 22 years, leaving the family company to pursue his dream of lobstering. His first boat, the Stephen Jo, brought him joy and many hours of fulfillment. Leonard was a jack of all trades, helping his family and friends with plumbing and electrical needs and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He valued his family and instilled in them dedication and principles.
Leonard was a member of the Bristol Fire Department for over 25 years, serving for a period as Assistant Fire Chief. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. He was recognized by the Red Cross for his numerous blood donations. He was a member of the Route 66 Snowmobile Club, enjoying his rides as a time to check out the wildlife in the woods. He served his town as a member of the Fish Committee.
Leonard was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Neil Prior, Margaret Collamore, and Lillian Bryant; granddaughter Lee Anne; several nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Angel.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ella of Bristol; daughters, Priscilla Pulsifer of Bristol and Joyce Thompson and husband Edgar of Pemaquid; grandchildren, Stephen Brackett and fiancée Karen, Lauri Pulsifer and fiancé Nathan, Jared Pulsifer and fiancée Brandi, Daniel Wall and wife Candace, Danica Benner and husband Peter, and Desiree Leeman and husband Joel; as well as great-grandchildren, Reece, Kassidi, Leonard, Dawson, Harley, Cooper, Keyden, Tianna, Lee Anne Ella, Hunter, Jaden, Hunter and Jerzi.
In Leonard’s honor, donations may be sent to the Round Pond Washington Schoolhouse Association, P.O. Box 205, Round Pond, ME 04564; The Lee Anne Pulsifer Memorial Scholarship Fund, 81 Academy Hill, Newcastle, ME 04553; or the Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554.
Service was held on July 16 with the Rev. David Ray officiating. He was laid to rest in the Bristol Mills Cemetery. Condolences 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 St., Damariscotta.
