Warren Newell Genthner, 83, of Waldoboro, long time professional photographer, passed away on March 22 of failing health, but more recently pancreatic cancer.
Born on May 15, 1926 to Roland A. and Annie (Petee) Genthner, Warren was educated in Waldoboro, and graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1944. Warren worked for many years as a young man, for his father, who owned several gas stations and an oil business. As a young boy, Warren became interested in photography. This interest developed into a passion, which later led him to the New York Institute of Professional Photography.
In 1959, Warren married Marion Elaine Dufour of Windsor, and together they started Genthner’s Photography Studio, on Friendship Street, in Waldoboro. At that time they both covered local news for the Portland Press Herald, the local newspaper of that time, The Waldoboro Press, the Kennebec Journal and Courier Gazette. Warren handled the photography while Marion wrote the news stories. Together, they started several businesses. They operated a vending machine route along the coast and in central Maine, created Genthner’s Mobile Home Park and rented cottages in Friendship. Warren also started a snowplowing and sanding business in 1947 and continued until January 2010.
As a young man, Warren spent many nights roller-skating and dancing all over Maine, eventually introducing Marion and his daughter, Lisa to roller-skating. As a family, they square-danced in Edgecomb, Augusta and Thomaston. In more recent years, Warren attended dances in Chelsea, Gardiner and Lewiston with his companion Lucy Veilleux of Augusta.
Warren loved the ocean and being at his cottage in Friendship. Along with several other members, he started the Medomak River Boat Club. For many years he and his family spent many hours on their boat in the waters off Friendship picnicking with friends and mackerel fishing.
In addition to photography, Warren loved to tinker with equipment of any kind. He owned antique vehicles, motorcycles, tractors, and snowplow equipment and enjoyed making sure that everything was running perfectly.
Warren was a member of the Professional Photographers of New England for 24 years until retiring in 1989, and was a Lions Club member at large.
In addition his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Marion, and brothers, Richard Genthner and Edward Genthner.
Warren is survived by his daughter, Lisa Genthner Gunn, son-in-law, David Gunn, and granddaughter, Kelsea Megan Marion Gunn, all of Waldoboro; sister, Avis Swift of Westbrook; several nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family to celebrate Warren’s life 2-5 p.m., Sat., March 27 at Genthner’s Studio, 211 Friendship St., Waldoboro. Graveside committal 1 p.m., Sat., March 27 at the Riverside Cemetery, Winslow Mills Rd. (Rt. 32 north) with the Rev. Robert E. Dorr officiating.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Medomak Valley High School’s Warren and Marion Genthner Scholarship Fund, specifically intended for students studying post-secondary photography. Contributions may be sent to MSAD 40, 1070 Heald Highway, Union, ME 04862.
Arrangements are under the direction of Smeltzer Family Funeral Service, Waldoboro.
