John H. Grace

PORTSMOUTH - Funeral services for John H. Grace, 94, of 928 South St., were held on Sunday from the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel in Portsmouth, with services held at the North Congregational Church chapel in Portsmouth. The Rev. Dawn A. Shippee, pastor, officiated. Gary MacDonald was the organist.

In attendance were members of the church.

Burial was in Sagamore Cemetery in Portsmouth, with committal services by the Rev. Shippee.

James Austin Wynne

MIDDLETON, Mass., - James Austin Wynne, 84, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was the husband of the late Consuelo Thorndike Wynne, whom he married on July 2, 1946.

He was born Aug. 5, 1919, in Cambridge and was a 1937 graduate of Boston Latin High School. He graduated from Columbia University in 1953. He was self-employed as a tax consultant. He lived in York, Maine, for many years before moving to South Carolina, later to Virginia and then to Middleton.

He served as a first lieutenant with the 3502nd AAF Base Unit of the Army Air Corps, and was a pilot during World War II, in which he flew dangerous missions over "The Hump," carrying aviation fuel over the Himalayas to supply the Flying Tigers in China. In his later years he wrote a book about his World War II experience. He was awarded a World War II Victory Medal, an American Theater Ribbon, and a Certificate of Meritorious Service.

He enjoyed golf, baseball, classical music and history, and was fond of dogs and cats. He loved to talk to and visit with his many friends and loved ones.

He is survived by four children: John Wynne of Union, Maine, Richard Wynne of South Berwick, Maine, Paul Wynne of Lyman, Maine, and Margaret Gray of Middleton; his sisters Kay Lyon of Orange, Conn., and Lucille Olson of Medway; his brother, Frank Wynne of Holden; his grandchildren, Asher Wynne of Jamaica Plain, Aaron Wynne of South Berwick, Maine, and Molly Gray of Middleton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Tess Flynn.

WYNNE - James A. Wynne, formerly of York, Maine, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose, Mass. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road, York. Interment with military honors will follow in the First Parish Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160-B, Portland, ME 04101-2406.

Peter W. Kelsey

ELIOT, Maine - Peter W. Kelsey, 60, of Beech Road, died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Machias on May 29, 1943, he was a son of Leon and Marie (Lowe) Kelsey and attended local schools, graduating from Jonesboro High School.

Following high school, he was accepted into the apprenticeship program at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he worked for a number of years in Shop No. 38 as an outside machinist, and then as a general foreman in nuclear inspections until his retirement.

In 1979 he met and married his loving wife of 24 years, Rachel (Caron) Kelsey, and they made their home in Eliot to raise their family.

He will be remembered as a strong man, of few words, who would help anyone in need. He was involved in a number of activities, which he enjoyed: mixed league and men’s bowling leagues at Bowl USA in Newington, golfing, and watching just about any sport, including being an avid Red Sox fan, as well as NASCAR racing and local racing at Beech Ridge Raceway.

He always enjoyed building anything from wood - from school desks for his children to a fancy hutch, or anything that was made of wood. He could build it, and people would admire it.

His greatest love, however, was his family; his grandchildren played a big part in filling his heart with the joy only grandchildren can bring. He enjoyed time spent fishing with his grandson, Aaron, at "Spikey Back Pond," and just sitting reading with any of his grandchildren on his lap. He also enjoyed a large vegetable garden every year in the back yard, spending time caring for it and watching his vegetables grow so that they could be shared with many friends and family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rachel (Caron) Kelsey of Eliot; daughters Joni and her husband, Doug Fallon, of Eliot, and Carol Howard of Eliot; sons Joel Lehman of Hollywood, Fla., and Jared Lehman of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; grandchildren Christina Fallon, Nichole Procaccini, Alison Procaccini, Aaron Howard and Joanna Howard; a brother, Webster and his wife, Marilyn Kelsey, of Kittery; and son-in-law and friend Craig Howard.

He was predeceased by his son David Kelsey and his brother Aaron Kelsey.

KELSEY - Peter W. Kelsey, 60, of Beech Road in Eliot, Maine, died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at his home. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003, at his church, the First Congregational Church of Eliot, with a time of refreshment and sharing to follow in the church fellowship hall. Friends may visit with Peter’s family from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Road, Kittery, Maine. Family flowers only; donations may be made in his memory to the Wentworth Homecare and Hospice, 113 New Rochester Road, Suite #4, Dover, NH 03820. Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery.

Maynard R. Fernald

YORK BEACH, Maine - Maynard R. Fernald, 79, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, at his home following a short illness.

He was born in Ogunquit on Jan. 12, 1924, a son of Fred and Elizabeth (Moulton) Fernald.

He attended local schools and served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in Guam, where he earned a Purple Heart.

He worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for a number of years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the Union Congregational Church of York Beach.

While he enjoyed a good game of poker, his first love was his family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Hazel Weare Fernald; and a great-granddaughter, Kacy Amber Bulley.

He is survived by his wife, Kari (Oian) Fernald of York Beach; three sons, Peter Weare Fernald of York, Christopher Raymond Fernald of Rockland, and Glenn Martin Fernald of York Beach; one stepson, Michael Andrew Winn of Woolwich; four daughters, Nancy Fernald Dos Santos of Merrimac, Mass., Mary Lou Fernald Saurman of Kittery, Laurie Fernald Bulley of Millinocket, and Lisa Fernald Mallory of Black Mountain, N.C.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

FERNALD - Maynard R. Fernald, 79, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, in York Beach, Maine. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003, in the Union Congregational Church, Church Street, York Beach. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the York Beach Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 70, York Beach, ME 03910.

Phyllis L. Leavitt

ELIOT, Maine - Phyllis L. Leavitt, 85, of Goodwin Road, died on Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at Langdon Place in Dover, N.H., following a period of declining health.

Born in Eliot on Aug. 16, 1918, she was a daughter of Fred R. and Martha L. (Kramer) Leavitt. She attended local schools, graduating from Eliot High School.

She was employed for many years at Westwind Gardens in Somersworth, N.H., working in the greenhouse, planting and caring for the plants as well as arranging flowers.

She also provided in-home care for a number of people in their homes in Eliot and the surrounding area.

She was an active member of her church, the Eliot United Methodist Church. She was a tireless worker in the thrift shop, the faith circle and hope circle. She was also a member of the Eliot Historical Society and the secret pal club of Brixham and Goodwin roads in Eliot.

She will be missed by her loving family; they include her sisters, Ruth Richards of Eliot, Dorothy Blaisdell of Eliot, and Sylvia MacKay of Eliot; brothers Lyndon Leavitt of Eliot, Norman Leavitt of Madison, and Robert Leavitt of Eliot; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers Wilfred, Laurence and Richard.

LEAVITT - Phyllis L. Leavitt, 85, of Goodwin Road in Eliot, Maine, died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at Langdon Place in Dover, following a period of failing health. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003, at her church, the Eliot United Methodist Church, on Route 236 in Eliot. There are no visiting hours; family flowers only, please; donations may be made in her memory to her church. Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Road, Kittery, Maine.

Sally V. Wholley

HAMPTON - The funeral for Sally V. Wholley, 91, formerly of Hampton, who died Sept. 22, 2003, was held Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, from the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church. The Rev. Michael J. Griffin, senior priest, was the celebrant. Nelson K. Ward was organist, Patricia Mackensen was soloist and altar servers were members of the Holy Name Society. The pall was extended over the casket by Stephanie Perkins and Kim Hillsgrove. Readings were offered by Beth Dybczak and Meg Levesque. Sister Theresa Malouin, C.S.C., offered the responsorial psalm and Sister Doris Ouellette, C.S.C., offered the prayer to the faithful. The gifts were presented to the altar by Kathy Vose and Justin Vose. Burial followed in the High Street Cemetery, with the committal service conducted by the Rev. Griffin. Taps was sounded and the U.S. flag that covered the casket was folded by a detachment of Army personnel and presented to Ms. Wholley’s sister, Elizabeth C. Weinhold. Pallbearers were Peter Weinhold, John Weinhold, William Weinhold, Robert Weinhold, Fred Johnson and Jack Johnson. American Legion services were conducted at the funeral home on Friday evening by Post 35 under the direction of Ralph Fatello, commander, with 11 members in attendance.

Brian E. Portrie

TAMPA, Fla. - Brian E. Portrie passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday Sept. 9 2003. He was born May 25, 1962 in Gardner, Mass., to Virginia and the late Edward Portrie. The family later moved to York, Maine, where Brian graduated from York High School with the Class of 1980.

A very important part of Brian’s life was the years he spent as a member of the Order of DeMolay. He was a Past Master Councilor of William Whipple Chapter of Kittery. Brian won many ritual awards and was honored with the Degree of Chevalier, the highest honor available to an active DeMolay. After winning the state competition for the Flower Talk, in honor of Mothers, he participated in the International Ritual Competition in Dallas Texas when he was 20. Brian became an advisor for the local chapter as an adult. When Brian turned 21 he was raised a Master Mason at Naval Lodge in Kittery. Brian never forgot the ideal of Brotherhood taught by these two fraternities.

Brian was the manager of the Fun-A-Rama arcade in York Beach for many years. He is still remembered fondly by those who worked and lived at the beach. During the summer he worked in many restaurants and clubs in Portsmouth and Ogunquit.

For the past 12 years, home had been in Tampa where Brian and his partner Mark owned the restaurant Ambrosia Gourmet. Brian and Mark enjoyed traveling and were often in Portsmouth, New York City and New Orleans visiting friends.

Brian is survived by his long-term companion Mark B. Davis of Tampa, his mother Virginia of St. Petersburg, Fla., his bothers Bruce of Millbridge, Maine and Robert of Ponte Vedra, Fla. and many nieces and nephews.

Brian was predeceased by his father Edward (Bif) Portrie who he loved and missed very much.

Locally Brian will be missed by many including his life-long friends Ron Cogswell of Portsmouth, Craig Dubay of Portsmouth and Norman Leon of Kittery.

Brian’s heart was big enough not only for his family and friends but also for the many animals he cared for. He also leaves behind his faithful dogs Reddy, Booger and Coocoo.

Brian was a very kind and big-hearted person who touched everyone. He lived a full life in his short years and was dearly loved. Brian wished his cremated remains to be cast on the waters of Nubble Light in York Beach, where he spent his youth.

PORTRIE - Brian E. Portrie, 41, formerly of York, Maine, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003. Donations may be made in Brian’s memory to the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA) in Stratham.

Sheldon B. Stoddard

PORTSMOUTH - Funeral services for Sheldon B. Stoddard, 89, of Meadow Road, were held on Monday from the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel in Portsmouth, with services held at the Middle Street Baptist Church in Portsmouth. The Rev. Wayne Price officiated. Words of remembrance and a poem were offered by son Tom Stoddard. Organist was Murray McNair.

In attendance were members of the church and representatives from Portsmouth/Derry/Salem Home Health and Hospice Services.

An honor guard was formed by a detachment from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) Casualty Area Command, Fort Drum, N.Y., including Sgt. Michael Hall and Pfc. Chris Constanza.

Taps was sounded, and the American flag was folded by Sgt. Hall and Pfc. Constanza and presented to Mr. Stoddard’s wife, Myrtle G. (Morrison) Stoddard, by Sgt. Hall.

Burial was in Harmony Grove Cemetery, Portsmouth, with committal services by the Rev. Price.

Bearers were Colleen Emery, Bobby Holdsworth, Adam Holdsworth, Tina Stoddard, Jack Foster and Ken Brown.

EXETER - The funeral for Eda E. Carvotta of Las Vegas, Nev., was held Saturday from the Stockbridge Funeral Home, Exeter. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Michael Church, Exeter. The Rev. Volney DeSoria, associate pastor was the celebrant. Denise Kelly was the organist and John Kelly was the soloist. Pascal F. Carvotta Jr. and Steven Hendrickson placed the pall, and Joseph Carvotta placed the crucifix on the casket, Anthony Moulton offered the readings and the gifts were presented to the altar by Ami Carvotta and Katherine Cable. Julie St. Onge sang Trust in the Lord, and Jeffrey Moulton offered remembrances. Burial followed in the Plaistow Cemetery with committal prayers by Rev. Martel. Pallbearers were Frank Coliano, Dana Coliano, Robert DiSessa, Joseph DeSessa and Tony Sacco.

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