CAPE ELIZABETH – Bernard “Barney” DeGruchy, 83, passed away May 21, 2008, one day after his 83rd birthday, at Maine Medical Center. Barney was born in Portland, and grew up in the Libbytown area of Portland. He was a resident of South Portland for most of his adult life, and most recently was a resident of Village Crossings, Cape Elizabeth. He was the son of Ferdinand and Margaret Ann Theriault DeGruchy. He attended local schools, St. Patricks Grade School and Cheverus High School. He was in the Army for two years and earned an honorable discharge. While working at the Rigby train yard, he enjoyed his duties, some of which included operating the large turntable that the locomotives used to enter for service. He took great pride in his work and his affiliation with the railroad workers union. He worked at Portland Terminal Co., for 43 years, retiring in 1985. He especially enjoyed his many travels across the globe, which featured him riding a camel in the deserts of Egypt, walking the via Delarosa in Jerusalem and swimming in Hawaii. He was an avid swimmer, and could be seen every day at the South Portland Municipal pool after retirement. He met his wife of 55 years, Jennie Marro on a blind date. They went on to marry April 11, 1953. He was predeceased by 11 siblings. He is survived by one brother, Leon DeGruchy of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla; his wife, Jennie Marro DeGruchy; daughter, Margaret Ann Magee and her companion, Michael Dostie; son, Robert DeGruchy and his wife, Kim; and one grandson, Nate DeGruchy and his wife, Erin. The family would like to thank everyone on P3C&D and R4 for their wonderful care while Bernard was there, also thanks to the people at Village Crossings for their care. Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association of America, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B, Portland, ME 04101.
BERNARD ‘BARNEY’ DEGRUCHY
