MARS HILL, Maine – Fay Thomas Fitzherbert, 93, passed away Tuesday evening, August 8, 2017, at a health-care facility in Caribou, Maine. He was born April 14, 1924, in Presque Isle, the son of Percy and Leta (Barker) Fitzherbert.
Fay was a member of the United Baptist Church in Mars Hill where he served as a deacon. Over the course of his lifetime he had numerous occupations including booking agent for music groups, mechanic, roller rink attendant, bakery delivery driver, freezer salesman, uniform salesman, chief of police in Mars Hill, cold storage foreman at Potato Service, irrigation specialist at McCain’s, animal control officer in Mars Hill, and parking attendant at Big Rock. During World War II he served in a civilian capacity as a mechanic and ambulance driver at Presque Isle Air Base, as well as clearing runways at Loring Air Force Base during snowstorms. Fay also helped to create the first road up Mars Hill Mountain. He loved carpentry, watching the Red Sox, playing rhythm guitar and singing. He enjoyed performing and passed his love of music on to his children and grandchildren. He met his wife, Leora Craig, at a dance. They married and settled in Mars Hill where they built their home and raised five children.
In addition to his parents, Fay was predeceased by Leora, his wife of 56 years, and his brothers Vaughn and Donald. He is survived by his children Barry Fitzherbert and his wife Erna of Gardiner; Allan Fitzherbert and his wife Mary of Auburndale, Florida; Nancy Fitzherbert of Mars Hill; David Fitzherbert and his wife Karen of Rumford; and Jayne King and her husband Shannon of Mars Hill. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Chuck, Maya, Raechel, Jason and Deanna, great-grandchildren Malachi, Kira, Connor and Devan, and numerous family and friends who brought him great joy throughout his life.
Much appreciation on behalf of Fay’s family must be extended to caregivers at The Aroostook Medical Center, Caribou Rehab & Nursing Center, and Visiting Nurses of Aroostook who took such wonderful care of Fay during his last months. A special thank-you to the volunteers of Meals on Wheels who visited Fay five days a week delivering meals and a smile.
A graveside service will be held Friday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Kings Grove Cemetery in Mars Hill with Pastor Mitch Ross officiating. Following the service a celebration in Fay’s memory will be held at the United Baptist Church where refreshments will be served. Flowers may be sent in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home in Mars Hill. A donation in Fay’s memory can be made to Meals on Wheels, PO Box 1288, Presque Isle, Maine, 04769. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.
