Stephen W. Prentice, 85, of Round Pond, passed away on Aug. 21 at his home. He was born in Bristol on Nov. 9, 1925, the son of the late Stephen F. Prentice and Florence “Floss” Weeks Prentice. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Bristol High School.
He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army, and later joined the V.F.W.
After the war, Stephen married Carolyn E. Cushing in 1946, and they raised their three children. He ran his business, SF Prentice and Son, as an electrician, plumber and heating contractor.
Stephen was a longtime Mason and was a past master at Bristol Lodge #74. He was also a member of The Chapter and Kora Temple Shrine of Lewiston.
From 1965 to 1993, he served as Director of the Board of Trustees of The First National Bank of Damariscotta, and as Chairman from 1976 to 1987. In recent years he enjoyed monthly “Board Meetings” at Reunion Station with fellow past board members, Dan Thompson, Arnold Briggs and Parker Spofford.
Stephen was a member of the Congregational Church of Bristol; and for many years he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and he also donated hours of hands-on labor, repairing the church and the original Russell Parish House.
He had many interests. When his children were young, he took them on many family trips in Maine and New Hampshire. He took them boating, water skiing, fishing, island hopping and clambakes, and downhill skiing at Lost Valley and Sugarloaf. He helped create a rope tow ski lift on a hill in Bristol Mills for local families.
Later on he learned scuba diving and sailing on a small boat. His favorite pleasure boat was Easy Rider, on which he and his wife Carolyn could comfortably take overnight excursions. He loved traveling, and for their 25th anniversary they went to Hawaii. That trip was followed by many trips to the Bahamas. He and his wife loved dancing, and spent many Saturday nights at Lakehurst.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Carolyn E. Prentice; and siblings, Kenneth Prentice, Keith Prentice and Margaret Norton.
Survivors include his children, Dale Prentice and wife Lyn, Gordon Prentice and wife Carol Ann, Stephanie Clifford and friend Don Pimentel, and AFS student, Herndon Enrique Zamora of Costa Rica; grandchildren, Hope Prentice McFarland and Joshua Clifford; great-grandchildren, Shealynn, Harmony, and Joshua Clifford Jr.; sister, Mary Ella Prior; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours 5-7 p.m., Wed., Aug. 24 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Funeral 2 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 25 at the Congregational Church of Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Congregational Church of Bristol, PO Box 154, Bristol, ME 04539 to go towards the Russell Parish House completion or towards the permanent outside sign.
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, Damariscotta.
