Valentine E. Cox Jr., 85, of New Harbor, passed away at the Togus V.A. Medical Center on the morning of Jan. 9. Born in Eustis on Oct. 15, 1924, he was the last surviving child of Valentine Sr. and Iniz (Benson) Cox.
Valentine grew up in Eustis and attended schools in Stratton. Upon his completion of school, he went to work at the Portland Shipyard before joining the U.S. Army in 1943. He served during WWII, and upon his discharge in 1944, he married his girlfriend of several years, Pauline Gove. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
For several years, he did shoe repair in the Lewiston/Auburn area. In 1962, he and Pauline moved to the log cabin he built in New Harbor, and he would call that home until the day he died.
Upon moving to New Harbor, he bought a boat and started lobstering, a job he loved and would continue to do for many years. In his free time he enjoyed fly fishing in the Rangeley area.
He was well liked by many and always had a smile on his face. Everyone would say he had a special spark about him, and that spark never faded away, even in declining health.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline Cox of New Harbor; children, Sanford Cox of Brunswick, Penny Wilder of Topsham, Donna Hamilton of Lisbon Falls, Brenda Anderson of Damariscotta Mills, and Paul Cox of Santa Cruz, Cal.; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
At his request, there will be no service.
Condolences for the family may be expressed at www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
