GRAY – Ernest O. Phinney, 77, died Nov. 5, the son of Maxwell L. and Hazel Moores Phinney and graduated from Windham High School in 1943 and the University of Maryland with a B.A. in History and a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering in 1959.

Mr. Phinney worked at B.I.W. from 1966 to 1987 and retired as a Senior Buyer. Mr. Phinney served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1964. Serving in the Scouts and Raiders working under the Office of Strategic Service. He served in China, Cuba and several other countries.

He received a Silver Star, Four Bronze Stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Croix de Guerre, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Honorable Service Lapel Button, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, The Philippine Presidential Unity Citation and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unity Citation, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asian Clasp; United Nations Service Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal and Purple Heart.

Mr. Phinney was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, V.F.W., U.D.T./SEAL Museum Lifetime Member, Fleet Reserve Association, U.D.T./SEAL Association Lifetime member, Cumberland Masonic Lodge 12, Boaz Royal Arch Chapter.

Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Janice Smith Phinney of Gray; one son, Timothy J. Phinney of Gray; one daughter, Sherri L. Bosse of Gray; four brothers, Brian, Abe, Thaddeus, and Christian Phnney; two sisters, Heather Millet and Maxine Lynch; six grandchildren, Joe and Jay Bosse, Scott Biron, Brandi and Amanda Mayo, Chad Swathout; seven great-grandchildren; stepmother, Gladys Phinney; two sons from a previous marriage, Richard M. Phinney and James Douglas Phinney.

Copy the Story Link