Lawrence H. “Beanie” Pitcher Sr., died of pancreatic cancer Monday, Oct. 8, 2012 at the Togus VA Hospice Unit.

Beanie was born December 26, 1925 to James A. and Gladys (Bennett) Pitcher. He attended Boothbay Harbor schools and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 during World War II.

Stationed aboard the NTS Bainbridge hospital ship, the USS Haven, as well as the USS Healy, Beanie was honorably discharged on April 3, 1946 with 13 Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.

After the war, Beanie married Rose E. Dorr of Litchfield. They had three children, Stephen, Marcia and Lawrence H. Pitcher Jr.

Over the years, Beanie worked as a painter, a shipbuilder at Goudy & Stevens in East Boothbay, and ran the Mariner's Grill in Boothbay Harbor and Beanie's Grill in Wiscasset with his wife, Rose. He also worked at Bath Iron Works and operated Beanie's Taxi.

He and his wife were both bowlers and Beanie was on television three times. They made many friends through the bowling circuit. They also enjoyed playing at cribbage tournaments.

Those who knew Beanie know that he was one of a kind.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 64 years, his brothers, Wallace S. (Mary) and James R. (Miriam), his sisters, Pearl (Pete) and Geraldine (Donald) Blackman.

Survivors include sons, Stephen L. (Martha) and Lawrence H. Pitcher Jr., both of Boothbay Harbor; daughter, Marcia L. Silverstein (Michael) of St. Petersburg, Fla.; sister, Elizabeth Rogers; grandchildren, Lori R. and Michael R. Jones of St. Petersburg, Fla., Shawn (Betsy) Pitcher, Stephanie (Pitcher) Holbrook (Mark), Corey and Angel Pitcher; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Ciera and Keana Pitcher, Haley Holbrook and Keenan Pitcher; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a brief graveside service at the VA Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta on October 19 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.