Paul Fitch

WELLS — Paul W. Fitch, 78, of Wells, fell into eternal sleep at his home watching the Red Sox vs. Yankees game with family on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

Born in Portland, Paul grew up in East Sebago. A graduate of Potter Academy, Class of 1958, he attended college at Portland University for one year, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force on Oct. 16, 1959. He served our country proudly for 20 years and was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. After many duty stations around the world, he retired in October 1979, with the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals and an Air Force Commendation. Paul worked for over five years at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant and six years at the Pease AFB commissary, and was a civil servant for 11 years at the Brunswick Naval Base, where he retired again in 2002.

Over the years, Paul found much joy in his bountiful gardens amongst the droves of garlic, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. He enjoyed canning and sharing most of his harvest with family, friends, and those fortunate enough to be an acquaintance. Paul was extremely passionate about his antiques, collectibles, coins, auctions, yard sales and flea markets, to his wife’s dismay, but to whom he was most passionate. They met while Paul was president of the Coastal Singles Club in Rollinsford, N.H., in 1987 and had an intimate marriage ceremony on the Amtrak Downeaster on April 7, 2002.

Paul greatly enjoyed attending his class reunions, the annual pilgrimage to the Fryeburg Fair, and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He shared his humor, smile and laughter with the world, but loved reminiscing about old times with his grandchildren the most. A man of small stature, he gave much, touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his loving and caring partner and wife of 31 years, Ansie Jane Stuart; brother, Leigh W. Fitch of East Sebago; daughters, Nancy A. Briand of Saco and Julie A. Fitch of Old Orchard Beach; stepson, Shannon M. Stuart of Fairhaven, Mass.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Paul was predeceased by his father and mother, George E. and Florence W. (Hutt) Fitch of East Sebago; brother, George E. Fitch Jr. of East Sebago; and wife, Hortencia (Ortiz Hernandez) Fitch of Mexico.

Viewing hours were held at the Johnson Funeral Home, 26 Market Street, North Berwick, on Saturday, April 14, 2018. A celebration of Paul’s life was held at the American Legion, 21 Main Street, North Berwick, on Saturday, April 14, 2018. A private graveside ceremony with military honors will be held at the Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Springvale, on a date to be determined.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home, 26 Market Street, North Berwick. Condolences may be expressed online at: www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to a no-kill feline rescue, the Safe Haven Humane Society of Wells.