DOVER-FOXCROFT – The life of Arthur C. “Artie” Fricke, 84, came to a peace-ful end July 16, 2008, at Mayo Regional Hospital. He was born Jan. 15, 1924, in North Bergen, N.J. Artie took great pride in his service to his country during World War II as a Merchant Marine, knowing the importance of their role. He was married to Ruth Pfaff until her death in 1957. He later married Joan Smith and they celebrated 37 years together. He worked as a foreman for Tubeco, Brooklyn, N.Y., and then briefly in maintenance at a nursing home before retiring to Maine. Locally he was employed by the IGA, where he enjoyed many friends. Artie took great pleasure in family life, woodworking and gardening, and was an avid baseball fan. He looked forward to Saturday breakfast at The Bear’s Den, gatherings with friends and daily calls from good pal, Vivian Goggin. He is survived by his seven children, Bette Warfield and husband, James, of South Carolina, Kathy Malatesta of Sangerville, Debra Del Negro of New York, Gayle Fricke of North Carolina, Arthur Fricke Jr. of Missouri, Allyson Geary and husband, Edward, of New York and Jennifer King and husband, Tony, of Virginia; nine grandchildren, Mark and wife, Nikki, Stephen Malatesta, Kristin and Thomas Del Negro, Kimberly and Lauren Geary, Kayla and Evan King and Joanna Fricke; great-grand-daughter, Sadie Malatesta; and his beloved canine companion, Tuffy. The family offers special thanks to Dr. Lesley Fernow and her crew, and all the staff at Mayo Regional Hospital for their compassionate care. A celebration of Artie’s life will be held at a later date at the convenience of his family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in his name to Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division of the Blind, 150 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.