Robert F. Sewall, 94, of Damariscotta, passed away on the afternoon of July 14 at Togus VA Maine Healthcare. Born on May 28, 1923 in Somerville, Mass., he was the only child of Lorenzo and Ethel (Jordan) Sewall.
Robert grew up in Somerville, attending local schools and graduating from Somerville High School. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, from 1941 – 1946. In June of 1944, he married Reita McFarland, and the couple would go on to have four children and recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, he worked many different jobs throughout the years. He worked on the railroad in Boston, at various shipyards including Doughty and Stevens in East Boothbay, at Diamond National Lumber, Masters Machine, and eventually retired from Bath Iron Works.
He and Reita moved to Damariscotta in 1947 and became active in the community, including being members of the Damariscotta Baptist Church for over 60 years. He enjoyed carpentry, and built several small boats. He enjoyed reading, particularly about sailing ships; studying history, especially local history; and loved spending time working on his model railroads.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a grandson, Aaron Sewall; and daughter-in-law, Karen Sewall.
He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Reita Sewall; sons, Robert Sewall, Richard Sewall and wife Susan, Fred Sewall and wife Joanne, and Doug Sewall and wife Barbara; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
A funeral for Robert will be held at 10:30 a.m., Fri., July 21 at the Damariscotta Baptist Church in Damariscotta. He will be laid to rest with military honors at the Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Damariscotta Baptist Church, PO Box 248, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and messages for his 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.
