Philip (Swamp) Pelkey

     PELKEY, Philip (Swamp), 81, HAMPDEN & PRESQUE ISLE, at Bangor, November 26, 2014. Per his request, a spring memorial service will be held in Presque Isle with committal at the Veterans Cemetery in Caribou.

    HAMPDEN & PRESQUE ISLE – Philip (Swamp) Pelkey, age 81, died Wednesday, November 26, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor from complications from cancer and a recent bout of pneumonia. He was born on February 19, 1933, to Sarah (Murphy) Pelkey and Arthur Pelkey in Presque Isle, ME. 
    Philip had recently lost his wife of 58 years, Augusta (Gustie) Pelkey, who died in June 2013.
    He is survived by four children and their spouses: Keith and Lisa Pelkey of Missouri, Kevin and Mary Pelkey of Missouri, Kristi Sickles of Bangor, ME, and Kent and Wanda Pelkey of New Gloucester, ME. He had six grandchildren: Morgan Sickles, Garrett, Kendra, Erin, Sarah and Robin Pelkey. 
    Philip was born and lived most of his life in Presque Isle, only venturing away during his military service as a U.S. Navy Sea Bee with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 in the earlier 1950s and when he and Augusta moved to Hampden in 2006. In Presque Isle, he retired from S&S Storage after 36 years of service and was a member of American Legion Post 88 and the Elks Lodge.
    An unmatched friend, family member and dad, he is already deeply missed. Being an avid bowler and pool player, he was a constant fixture on the local leagues exhibiting his natural zest for living life with friends. Always the people person, he engaged everyone – friends, family and complete strangers – in conversation, bringing smiles to all who got caught up in his charm.
    His true joy was music, especially the classics of his youthful years, which he would to listen for hours. As witnessed by all who knew him, his love of music always manifested itself into his ultimate expression of happiness – dancing with his wife, Gustie.
    As requested by my father, a spring memorial service will be held in Presque Isle with committal at the Veterans Cemetery in Caribou. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Lung Association, JDRF or a charity of your choice in his memory would be appreciated.