BANGOR – George Lewis Foley, 82, beloved husband of Elizabeth Y. (Biller) Foley, died peacefully April 19, 2004, at his home after a long illness. George was born Nov. 12, 1921, in Bangor, the son of Frank E. and Frances I. (Nolan) Foley. George graduated from John Bapst High School in 1939, at the age of 16. After graduation he moved to Hartford, Conn., where he worked until his 1942 enlistment in the Army Air Corps. George served his country as a member of the 486th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force in the European Theatre during World War II. Included in the numerous medals and awards George received is the Distinguished Flying Cross for “heroic determination and disregard of personal safety.” He was also the recipient of many other awards and medals for extraordinary achievement during his military service. In 1981 George reconnected with his entire World War II crew and for approximately 15 years he and Betty enjoyed yearly reunions throughout the United States with the men and their spouses. The ill health of several in the group concluded the trips, but he maintained contact with his friends until his death. George retired from New England Telephone in 1985 after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, the United Commercial Travelers, Isaac Clewley Post VFW, and the Brewer Eagles Club, where he won several state championship cribbage tournaments. George was a lifelong communicant of St. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor. Survivors include his cherished wife of 55 years, Elizabeth; two devoted daughters, Candace Healy and her husband, Jack, of Holden, Linda Mynahan and her husband, Daniel, of Lewiston; two greatly loved grandsons, Patrick John and Michael George Healy of Holden; one brother, William and his wife, Nancy, of Bangor; three sisters, Christine Campbell of Brewer, Carolyn Keilty of Waltham, Mass., and Dorothy Burkett of Omaha, Neb. George is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Rodney Watson and his wife, Brenda, of Franklin Lakes, N.J. George will be remembered by his very special friend, Donald McNally of Bangor. In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by siblings, Ruth Delaney, Isabel Case and Frank Foley. Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, at Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9 a.m. Thursday at St. John’s Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Richard McLaughlin, pastor, celebrant. Interment will full military honors will be in Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to New Hope Hospice, 1344 Main Road, Eddington, ME 04428. “His Journey’s Just Begun” Don’t think of him as gone away – his journey’s just begun. Life holds so many facets – this earth is only one… Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears – In a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched… For nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much. E. Brenneman. <
GEORGE L. FOLEY
