Obituary for Frank C. Bridges, Jr.
CAMDEN – Frank C. Bridges, Jr., 88, died peacefully Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, after a period of declining health.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, July 23, 1931, he was the son of Frank C., Sr., and Una K. Stevens Bridges.
At an early age Frank moved to Rockland with his family. He ultimately attended Rockland schools and Rockland High School.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1948 to 1950. While in the Marine Corps, Frank continued his education and graduated from Basic Engineering School. He later completed further education at the University of Maine as well as completing many work-related certificate courses.
Early in his career, Frank worked as a painter / paper hanger, often riding his bicycle loaded with ladder and equipment to job sites. He later owned and operated a home improvement and building business, and ultimately was regarded as a one of Maine’s most experienced and capable construction experts. He served as Clerk of the Works, for many construction projects.
Closest to Frank’s heart, was his commitment to the Lord’s work. He was a long-time active Communicant of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Rockland. At St. Peters, Frank served 40 years as Acolyte Director, 35 years as Sub Deacon and 35 years as Master of Ceremonies. He was one-time Superintendent of the Church school, served several times as both Senior and Junior Warden. Frank was the first layperson in Maine to be licensed to administer the chalice for Holy Communion by the late Bishop of Maine Oliver Loring and under the Rectorship of the Reverend Ernest O. Kenyon. He was one-time a postulant for holy orders in The Episcopal Church. In 1990, he transferred his membership to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden, and served there as a member of the Vestry, Acolyte Director, Sub Deacon, Master of Ceremonies, Chalice Bearer and was ultimately licensed to carry communion to the sick and shut in.
He was a member of various professional organizations.
Frank is survived by his children, Frank C. Bridges, III and his wife Barbara of Northport, Belinda A. Bridges Barstow of Rockport; four grandchildren, Jonathan L. Kaler of Las Vegas, NV, Jason R. Kaler of Rockport, James Todd of Warren and Joseph E.S.O. Bridges of Northport; his companion, confidant and caregiver of 24 years, Hilary B. Harwood of Charlottesville, VA and Southwest Harbor, ME; and the mother of his children Evelyn Bridges of Rockland.
Friends and family are invited to gather from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. An evening prayer service will begin at 5:00 pm. The Reverend Lael Sorenson will be principal Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, July 23, 1931, he was the son of Frank C., Sr., and Una K. Stevens Bridges.
At an early age Frank moved to Rockland with his family. He ultimately attended Rockland schools and Rockland High School.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1948 to 1950. While in the Marine Corps, Frank continued his education and graduated from Basic Engineering School. He later completed further education at the University of Maine as well as completing many work-related certificate courses.
Early in his career, Frank worked as a painter / paper hanger, often riding his bicycle loaded with ladder and equipment to job sites. He later owned and operated a home improvement and building business, and ultimately was regarded as a one of Maine’s most experienced and capable construction experts. He served as Clerk of the Works, for many construction projects.
Closest to Frank’s heart, was his commitment to the Lord’s work. He was a long-time active Communicant of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Rockland. At St. Peters, Frank served 40 years as Acolyte Director, 35 years as Sub Deacon and 35 years as Master of Ceremonies. He was one-time Superintendent of the Church school, served several times as both Senior and Junior Warden. Frank was the first layperson in Maine to be licensed to administer the chalice for Holy Communion by the late Bishop of Maine Oliver Loring and under the Rectorship of the Reverend Ernest O. Kenyon. He was one-time a postulant for holy orders in The Episcopal Church. In 1990, he transferred his membership to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden, and served there as a member of the Vestry, Acolyte Director, Sub Deacon, Master of Ceremonies, Chalice Bearer and was ultimately licensed to carry communion to the sick and shut in.
He was a member of various professional organizations.
Frank is survived by his children, Frank C. Bridges, III and his wife Barbara of Northport, Belinda A. Bridges Barstow of Rockport; four grandchildren, Jonathan L. Kaler of Las Vegas, NV, Jason R. Kaler of Rockport, James Todd of Warren and Joseph E.S.O. Bridges of Northport; his companion, confidant and caregiver of 24 years, Hilary B. Harwood of Charlottesville, VA and Southwest Harbor, ME; and the mother of his children Evelyn Bridges of Rockland.
Friends and family are invited to gather from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. An evening prayer service will begin at 5:00 pm. The Reverend Lael Sorenson will be principal Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.