Obituary

Charles Loring Stonemetz

Mon, 05/13/2013 - 4:00pm

Charles Loring Stonemetz died early Sunday morning January 6, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.

Known as “Jerry” by many, he was born in Newton, Mass., on June 25, 1919, son of Harry M. and Flora C. Stonemetz. After graduating from Newton High in 1938, Jerry began a 40-year career in journalism serving as editor of the Newton Villager, a weekly newspaper in Newton, Mass.

His career was interrupted by the attack on Pearl Harbor and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving three years, nine months, and three days; 15 months in French Morocco near Gibraltar as an aviation ordnance-man on a PB4Y1 anti-submarine patrol aircraft.

During the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth E. MacDowell, also of Newton. Jerry and Ruth enjoyed 50 years of marriage until Ruth’s passing in 1994.

Jerry and Ruth made their home in Natick, Mass., where they raised one son, Kenneth. Jerry and Ruth retired to Barters Island, Boothbay in 1982 after enjoying summers on the island for many years.

The pair spent their golden years enjoying the beautiful coastline, people and cuisine of Down East Maine. Following Ruth’s passing, Jerry remained a year-round resident of Barters Island. He was a member of the Barters Island Community Association, serving as secretary for three years.

In his later years, he enjoyed the company of Edie Mitchell and family who became friends in their long association with Barters Island. He also enjoyed attending Navy Patrol Squadron Reunions with his son and World War II shipmates and Airedales and discussing his conservative political views with his many friends.

He acted as tour guide and caretaker for people who visitedthe many cottages that surrounded his home in Trevett. His neighbors, both year-round and summer residents, allowed him to continue to live on his own as they would check in on him and give him a hand when he needed one.

As recently as late last fall Jerry could be seen visiting with many friends at his favorite lunch spots throughout the Boothbay region. He was a man truly loved by all who knew him.

Jerry is survived by son, Kenneth and his wife Patricia of Natick Mass.; grandchildren Karen of Natick Mass., Paul and his wife Louise of Marlborough, Mass. Charles was honored and thrilled to welcome his great-grandson and namesake, Charles Claybourn Stonemetz (son of Paul and Louise) on September 11, 2012. Also surviving are niece Barbara McDowell and husband Kenneth of Wayland, Mass., and nephew Spencer T. Stonemetz and wife Marge of York.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Capt. Philip T. Stonemetz (USN) and Harold Stonemetz; sister, Florence; and nieces, Anne Little and Nancy Peterson.

A graveside service will be held June 25, 2013 at noon at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta. Jerry will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife Ruth. The Reverend Eileen Sypher will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Barters Island Community Association, P.O. Box 390 Trevett, ME 04571, or The Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7 Edgecomb, ME 04556.