FARMINGTON – Biagio “Bill” Mendolia, 92, of Rangeley, died Jan. 15, at Franklin Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

He was born on Jan. 1, 1914, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Josephine (Barone) Mendolia and Filippo Mendolia, both born in Sicily.

He married Lulu Wyden, always the true love of his life, on April 10, 1937.

Bill served in the Navy during World War II and was stationed on the island of Saipan. He always carried his letter of commendation with him, as serving his country was something he was extremely proud of. While in the Navy, he specialized in submarine repair and L.V.T. amphibian vehicles.

He had an interesting life as other vocations include shoemaker, auto machine shop mechanic, lumberyard man, baker, chicken farm owner, furniture maker, construction worker, union representative, and lastly working as the night mechanic for the electric delivery trucks for Borden Milk Co.. He retired from Borden after 25 years of service.

He and Lulu moved “North” in 1968, and purchased a home in Rangeley where they had vacationed for many years.

He was a devoted husband who shared many hobbies with Lulu such as hunting, fishing, and raising beagles and checkered rabbits for show. Reading was always a big part of his life, and the topics ranged widely as he was indeed a “self-educated” and intellectual man. He truly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life like feeding and caring for the ducks in his two duck ponds.

In his later years, Bill was an avid video collector and loved to discuss videos, “life,” and politics over a strong cup of Italian coffee.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife; six brothers; and two sisters.

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