Paul B. Bartlett, 87, of Newcastle, passed away on the evening of Dec. 17 at the Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility in Damariscotta. Born on May 9, 1927 in Newcastle, he was the son of Sanford and Ida (Delano) Bartlett.
Being one of a set of twins, he attended schools in Newcastle. He graduated from Lincoln Academy as part of the class of 1948, after having taken two years off to stay home to take care of his family and work on the farm while his two older brothers were in the service.
Paul entered the U.S. Army in 1952, and served at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland until 1954.
He was employed by the Red Barn in Newcastle from 1954 to 1972. He was then employed by Country Farm Furniture from 1972 to 1980, until his employers and friends John and Mary (Koko) Harris gave him the opportunity to become an investor in the store in Gray, and part owner of the store in Bath from 1980 to 1990 when he retired. He was able to say that he thoroughly enjoyed his whole career from farm to Country Farm.
He was a third selectman for the Town of Newcastle from 1972 until he became first selectman in 1976, and served in that capacity until 1980. He then became third selectman again, serving from 1994 until 1996. He was instrumental in developing the Land Use Code of Newcastle, a feat that meant a great deal to him.
He was a 65 year member of the Bunker Hill Grange, a member of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Lions Club, and the American Legion Post #42. He served on many boards including the organizing of the Great Salt Bay Sanitary District, the Newcastle Planning Board, and the Newcastle Fire Company. He was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Advisory Board of the Gardiner Savings Institution.
Paul enjoyed carpentry and building. He loved people, and always greeted them with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye. He married the former Theresa Petrillo in November 1952 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle. They had one son, James Paul.
In his retirement years, Paul always kept busy with one project or another, he and Theresa took many Maine Line bus tours to several locations, New York City, Nashville and their favorite Branson, Mo. He and Theresa developed a great fondness for country music. They shared more than 50 years together, and would both comment that they were able to live a good life together.
After Theresa passed away in 2008, Paul had to adapt to a new lifestyle, and was able to spend a lot of time with his son, as well as the counter at Waltz’s Pharmacy, Reunion Station, and Mike’s Place. As age crept up on him, he had to leave his beloved home and live at Cove’s Edge. While at Cove’s Edge, he made many, many friends with the staff and residents alike, and also re-discovered his fondness for Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Besides his parents and wife Theresa, Paul was predeceased by brothers, Howard, Sanford, and Robert Bartlettt; and sisters, Ruth Clark, Susan Marie Webb, Polly Petrillo Hall, and Ada Bartlett.
He is survived by son, Jim of Bristol, fiancée Darlene Franzone, and her son Benjamin of Methuen, Mass. Paul was able to spend a lot of time with them, and Benjamin became his honorary grandson and sofa mate. Paul also has a surviving sister, Anna Knapp of Goffstown, N.H., whom he was able to spend time with during the last few years, and they took several road trips together. Paul also had many, many nieces and nephews who all adored their “Uncle Paul.”
A time of visitation will be held on from 5-7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 2 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., Jan. 3 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle, with the Rev. Richard Newell officiating. He will be laid to rest with his loving wife at the Bartlett-Jones Cemetery in Newcastle.
Condolences, and messages 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.
