Roger Donald Prior, of West Waldoboro, passed away peacefully on July 28 at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta. Roger was born on Sept. 28, 1922 on Bremen Long Island to John and Dorothy Eugley Prior. He was raised primarily by his maternal grandmother, Edith Eugley, on Dutch Neck in Waldoboro.
Roger attended Waldoboro schools. He served in the Army for a two year stint during WWII primarily in Germany and France. He was a Life Member of the Waldoboro VFW and the Waldoboro American Legion. Upon returning to his hometown, Roger continued to reside at his home on the Genthner Road in West Waldoboro, which he had purchased (with pride) when he was only 14.
On Nov. 14, 1949 he married the love of his life, Beatrice Sprague, of Newcastle, who gave him 50 beautiful years before her passing in 2000.
Roger was a lifelong hard worker, having his first job at age 10, digging clams, which he continued to do until he was in his late 70s. A hardworking and extremely loyal man, Roger was always there for his family and friends and a role model and mentor to many. At a young age he cared for his grandmother and helped with her small farm. Later in his life, he cared for his ailing mother and wife. He was always there for his cousins, Ralph and Clyde Genthner, whom he thought of as his brothers.
Roger and his wife Bea never had children of their own, but were a very committed “guiding light” to several young children in their neighborhood. One particular young boy was John Crane, who lost his father at the age of two, and Roger and Bea became a very important part of his upbringing and an inspiration to his extended family.
Clamming was a passion in Roger’s life. He would often say he always looked forward to going to the “best job anyone could ever have.” Roger’s long life can be attributed to his life’s passion and to his commitment to daily walking and working in his garden. Roger also enjoyed eating out at Moody’s Diner, watching boxing matches on TV, hunting, and working outside. Some of his fondest memories were those working with his cousin Ralph Genthner, Jr. opening up seasonal homes in Bremen and in the Dutch Neck region. Roger also took great pride in his own home and the cottage he built on Pemaquid Lake in Nobleboro where he enjoyed spending quality time with numerous family members and friends.
Roger was predeceased by wife, Beatrice; mother, Dorothy Prior Cyr; grandmother, Edith Eugley; father, John Prior; stepfather, William Cyr; and cousin, Ralph E. Genthner, Jr. and wife Althea.
He is survived by cousins, Clyde Genthner and wife Joan of Bremen, and Eleanor Smith of West Waldoboro; second cousin Linda Genthner Masters and husband George of Round Pond, and their sons, Eric and Jason; extended family, John and Sylvia Crane of Port Clyde and their families; the entire Sprague family of the Damariscotta and Bristol areas; special friends, Mike and “Cissy” Cahill, his neighbors at Lake Pemaquid; and doctor, Dr. Timothy Goltz and his staff at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 6 at the German Cemetery, Rt. 32, Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waldoboro VFW and the American Legion Post #149 in Waldoboro in his memory.
To extend online condolences, light a candle for Roger, or to share a story or picture, visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.
