DOVER-FOXCROFT – Murray M. Stanhope, 93, passed away Jan. 30, 2011, comforted by members of his family at Hibbard Nursing Home, Dover-Foxcroft. He was born Jan. 9, 1918, in Portland, the son of Dr. Charles and Maude Stanhope.
A longtime resident of Dover-Foxcroft, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth. He graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 1937 and Bentley College in 1939. While at Bentley college, he attended Red Sox games at the cost of 50 cents and completed his homework as he sat in the bleachers. He saw Ted Williams play his first game at Fenway Park. In 1940 Murray married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Smith. They celebrated their 68th anniversary in 2008. His wife passed away Jan. 12, 2009. Murray served as master sergeant in the Army during World War II. For 27 years he was employed as an accountant at Dover Motor Co. He also worked as an accountant at Glen’s Auto Sales, Corinna, for several years. Murray then served as town clerk and treasurer for Dover-Foxcroft until his retirement. For 21 years he and Elizabeth spent winters in Zephyrhills, Fla., and summers in Dover-Foxcroft and at their camp on Sebec Lake. An active member of the community, Murray served as a member of the board of trustees at Foxcroft Academy for 25 years. He was a past president of Kiwanis Club and a member of Congregational Church, where he served as treasurer. During his spare time, he enjoyed snowmobiling and was a member of Piscataquis Valley Snowmobile Club. On weekends, he and his wife played bridge and other card games with their many friends. For years Murray collected coins and stamps, and played dominoes and cribbage.
He is survived by his four children, Betty-Jane Meader and her husband, Dick, of Waterville, Nancy and her husband, Steve, of Stonington and Port St. Lucie, Fla., James and his wife, Laney (Robinson), of Tampa, Fla., and Robert and his wife, Fran (Nelson), of Raymond; and his four grandchildren, Lance Meader and his wife, Amy (Worthley), of Falmouth, Daren Meader and his wife, Jen (Stump), of Gorham, April Smith of Stuart, Fla., and Kevin Stanhope and his wife, Katie (Corbett), of Gray. Murray always smiled when he saw his six great-grandchildren, Drew, Bode, Jace, Jaelyn, Macy and Asher. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Stanhope, formerly of Bangor and Providence, R.I. Special thanks are extended to his primary care giver, Tracy Raymond, who treated him like a family member, and the staff at Hibbard Nursing Home.
A graveside service will take place during the summer. Donations may be sent in his memory to Foxcroft Academy, 975 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 or Congregational Church, 824 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.laryfuneralhome.com.