MACHIASPORT – Loring A. Pettegrow, 89, died Friday, June 12, 2009, surrounded by his family at a Bangor health care facility. He was born March 19, 1920, in Machiasport, son of the late Leroy and Bessie (Huntley) Pettegrow. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941, serving in World War II where he received a Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal and a European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. After serving in the Army, Loring worked as a lobster fisherman until the age of 82, when he reluctantly retired. He was a lifelong member and choir member of Machias Valley Baptist Church and Larrabee Baptist Church. He loved attending church and being with family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking in his garage. He shared 40 years of marriage with Barbara (Wood) Pettegrow, who died in 1989. Family members include his daughter, Gail Johnson and husband, Carey, of Machias; two grandchildren, Mallory Johnson and Eric Johnson and fiancee, Atrisha Beal; a sister, Almeda Sprague; brother, Richard Pettegrow; and a very special longtime friend, Muriel Cole. He was predeceased by a son, Loring Pettegrow Jr.; sisters, Rachael Wood, Florence Post and Ella Conley; and brothers, Gilbert Pettegrow and Earl Pettegrow. Relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 15, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 220 Court St., Machias. A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday at Larrabee Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Holmes officiating. Burial will be after at Hillside Cemetery, Bucks Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Larrabee Baptist Church. www.bragdonkelley.com
LORING A. PETTEGROW
