SEARSPORT – Preston John Grendell Jr., beloved son of Preston Grendell Sr. of Searsport and Cheryl Grendell of Searsport, died Jan. 27, 2012, outside his home due to a massive heart attack. He was born Nov. 2, 1961, in Bangor.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Alan and Elsie Grendell; maternal grandparents, Rexford Thompson and Constance Thompson Grant; and stepgrandfather, Howard Grant. In addition to his parents, he is survived by the love of his life, Laura O’Brien and her daughter and grandson, Jessica Pendleton and Sylas Skinner; daughter, Crystal Betts and grandson, Dakota Wing; stepgranddaughter, Justice Betts of Kansas; granddaughter, Kylie Wing of Bucksport; daughter, Tara Grendell and granddaughters, Haylei Gamble and Brooke Gamble, of Winterport; brother, Shane Grendell of Searsport; special aunts, Pauline Beaudoin of Arizona and Phylis Clewley of Belgrade; uncle, Ralph Grendell of Frankfort; many cousins; his beloved girlie dog, Onx, his constant companion; and cat, Ozzie.
He worked for many years in construction, including bridges, until he became disabled due to diabetic peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. He missed working every day for the remainder of his life. Preston enjoyed hunting and fishing before his illness, music, playing guitar with Shane, his computer, crossword puzzles, visiting with friends, and going to the beach with Laura and watching Onx swim. He loved family get-togethers and cherished the time he spent with each daughter and adored grandchild. He was a gifted artist, drawing, etching pictures in glass, woodworking and making detailed Christmas ornaments such as the nativity scene out of one piece of wood.
Graveside services will be announced in the spring. Those who wish may donate in his memory to American Diabetes Association, Maine, Portland-Auburn, P.O. Box 10310, Portland, ME 04104. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Online condolences may be offered to the family at
www.ripostafh.com.
We will always love you and miss you so much – loving you, Laura, Onx and Ozzie.
Rest in peace son – dad, for the first time in 14 years, you aren’t in constant pain.