Peter P. Yorkus Jr., 83, of Whitefield, passed away at home March 10 after enduring a lengthy illness. His wife was at his side.
Peter was born in Cokeburg, Penn., the son of Peter P. Yorkus, Sr. and Patronella (Shunakaitis) Yorkus. He was raised in Easton, Penn. and was a graduate of Easton High School. During WWII he served in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist s Mate from 1942 to 1946.
He married the former Imelda Armstrong of Paterson, N.J. in 1952 and remained in New Jersey, employed as Production Foreman for the Sphere Company of Singac, N.J. He came to Maine 40 years ago for hunting and fishing, loved it here and took up residence. For a while he was employed at the Mustard Seed in Washington, and was a volunteer distributor of food in both Washington and Belfast.
An avid snowmobiler, he served as president for the WJW (Whitefield, Jefferson, and Windsor) Snowmobile Club. In later years, he loved to reminisce about the wonderful times, the winter cookouts and trail rides guided by some pretty special trail masters . He also loved hunting, fishing, target practice, gardening, and for a while playing farmer , raising a variety of farm animals.
He was a lifetime member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter, having joined close to 60 years ago. He was also a member of the Whitefield Lions and the American Legion. Although not a firefighter, he considered himself a member of the Coopers Mills Fire Department, enjoying the auctions and suppers, their many kindnesses, and knowing they were always there for you.
Peter was an active member of St. Denis Church in Whitefield until his disability curtailed his attendance. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Governor Kavanaugh Council #1423, and a past Grand Knight and 4th degree member of Father Denis Ryan Assembly #2364.
He loved people, Maine and the great outdoors.
He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Beatrice Young and husband Frank, Barbara Kaziunas and husband Alfred, and Justina Jane Bartish and husband Albert; a godson and nephew Thomas Agures.
He is survived by his loving wife Imelda; many nieces and nephews, all very special and dear to his heart, and many greats and great greats.
Visiting hours 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Fri., March 14, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor. Funeral Mass celebrated 11 a.m., Sat., March 15 at St. Denis Church, Whitefield. Spring burial at Calvary Cemetery in Whitefield.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Peter s memory to one of the following: The Father Ben Reilly Scholarship Fund, St. Denis Church c/o St. Michael s Parish, 41 Western Ave., Augusta, ME 04330; or Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter, PVA, 1600 Providence Highway, Suite 101R, Walpole, MA 02081; or Coopers Mills Fire Department, Main St., Coopers Mills, ME 04351.
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Arrangements are with Lawry Brothers Funeral Home-Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor, (800)660-2111.
