SAMUEL SCHOPPEE SILSBY JR.

AUGUSTA – Samuel Schoppee Silsby Jr., a longtime resident of Augusta, died Nov. 17, 2008, at his home with his family by his side, after a long illness. Mr. Silsby was born Dec. 13, 1927, in Bangor, to Samuel S. Silsby, M.D. and Ella Shorey Silsby, the oldest of five sons. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1949 from the University of Maine at Orono, and his law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army until 1954. On Jan. 17, 1953, Mr. Silsby married Frances E. Litchfield of Ellsworth. They were married for 55 years. Mr. Silsby had a long career in state government, and later as Maine’s first state archivist from 1966 until he retired in 1978. He was nationally recognized in his profession for his expertise in the management and preservation of public records. Mr. Silsby was an avid student of American and English history, and of the Silsby family genealogy. He was a passionate and lifelong collector of books and old hand tools. He was devoted to his family and to his pets. In addition to his wife, Mr. Silsby is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Silsby and her partner, Stanley Piecuch, of Camden, Joanna Wallingford and her husband, Mark, of Auburn, and Nancy Owens and her husband, Scott, of Gorham; son, Samuel Silsby III and his wife, Victoria, of Manchester, Vt.; 11 grandchildren; his brothers, James Silsby and his wife, Elizabeth, of Ellsworth, and David Silsby and his wife, Eleanor, of Manchester; and a large extended family. His brothers, Carl Silsby and Paul Silsby predeceased him. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at South Parish Congregational Church, 9 Church St., Augusta, with a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Mr. Silsby’s name to Healthreach Homecare & Hospice, 150 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345 or Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com