NEW HARBOR — George W. Stetson Sr., 80, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 18, after a long illness. He was born Sept. 24, 1937, a son of Edward and Dorothy (Bartlett) Stetson.

George grew up in the greater Lewiston area where he received his education. After high school, he honorably served his country overseas in the United States Navy.

Known to many as “Buddy,” George was employed at Peck’s Department Store for 16 years as a warehouse manager. He also worked at Harry E. Nason’s as a plumber and eventually retired from Eastland Shoe Company.

George had an appreciation for the outdoors and loved spending time near the water, fishing, boating or simply enjoying the scenery. Many summers were spent camping and enjoying red hot dogs at the Poland Spring Campground, and wintering in Myrtle Beach. Some of George’s favorite pastimes were watching the Celtics and NASCAR (especially Dale Earnhardt), and feeding his beloved birds at camp in New Harbor.

George will be remembered as a kind and patient man with a great sense of humor.

George is survived by his loving companion of 22 years, Janice Joy, of New Harbor; children, Diana Grimmel of Sabattus, Wanda Morissette of Auburn and George Stetson Jr. of New Hampshire; stepchildren, Pam Joy of Skagway, Ark., Laurie Miller and her husband, Ron of Old Town, Lisa Jones and her husband, Peter of Orrington; grandchildren, Timothy, Jennifer, John, Scott, Joseph, Brittany and George III; step-grandchildren, Alex, Jeremy, Ben, Kate, Sam and Seth; 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Harriet Doyle, of Massachusetts.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Carolynn Meehl.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.

George W. Stetson Sr.