INDIAN ISLAND – Gilbert “Gerry” Jerome Francis, 83, a member of the Penobscot Nation, was born May 8, 1925, on Indian Island, and died Sunday, June 29, 2008, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. Gerry lived at Eunice Baumann Assisted Living Center, Indian Island, for almost two years prior to his death, where he received loving care from the many dedicated caregivers. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. His Naval career was spent in the Construction Battalions of the U.S. Navy – Seabees. After his long service career, he was a cook for Indian Island Senior Meals and Day Care programs. He was a well-known Penobscot carver, painter and musician, as well as one of the few members who understood and spoke the Penobscot language. Gerry was chairperson of the Penobscot Nation Council, as well as instrumental in the Land Claim Settlement Act, construction of the Indian Island school and construction of the bridge to Old Town. He is survived by his daughter, Charlene D. Francis of Indian Island; grandchildren, William Joseph “Joe” Francis of Florida, Jimmie Baker of Japan, Candy Grubisic of Ashland, Wis., Wendy Baker of Ashland, Wis., and Michael Pulley of Ashland, Wis.; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, including Thomas Nicholas of Maine. He was predeceased by his son, Gilbert G. Francis. Burial will be held at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta, where he will be buried next to his wife, Priscilla Francis. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, July 3, in the chapel of the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Vernon Road, Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fund for Caregivers of Gerry Francis, 18 Rolling Thunder Drive, Indian Island, ME 04468, to enable the family to provide special thanks to those who provided exceptional care to Gerry during his long illness. Arrangements are in the care of Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town.
GILBERT ‘GERRY’ JEROME FRANCIS
