Peter Emery Sterling

Pete was born on April 23, 1942, the second of three children born to Ruth (Turgeon) and Hartley Sterling. He grew up in Portland, Maine, and spent summers visiting his paternal grandparents on Peaks Island. He graduated from Deering High School in 1960.

Pete married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Wormell, in 1963; and they made their home in Westbrook, Maine, where they raised their two sons.

Pete began his career as an auto mechanic at Forest City Chevrolet before signing up as a merchant mariner with Socony Oil Company. He spent most of his working life as an ironworker and was a member of Local 496. He worked on projects both locally and throughout the U.S., including Denver International Airport, the Piscataqua River Bridge connecting Portsmouth and Kittery, and the Portland House high-rise in Portland, Maine.

Pete had many hobbies and interests, including trapping, fishing and hunting, digging for old bottles, and building things. He loved a good project—whether it was building a shed, birdhouse, chicken coop, greenhouse, or piece of furniture. There was nothing he couldn’t do.

Pete also loved history and antiques and was a collector and seller of many collectables over the years: insulators, inkwells, steins, bottles, and crocks. Pete enjoyed spending time building replica antique tin toys and model wooden frigates he designed himself.

Pete was well known for his beautiful handmade Christmas wreaths. He made them for family and friends and sold them in front of the house for many years. Each November, people would stop by to place orders or to see when he would begin selling them for the season.

Pete was happiest being at home-spending time with family, puttering in his workshop, and working on his computer. He was always willing to lend a hand or offer sage advice, and he was a wonderful husband, father and devoted grandfather.

Pete was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Hartley Sterling; his brother, John Sterling; and his sister, Jackie Sterling Neuts.

Pete is survived by his wife, Sandra Sterling; his son, Peter (Craig) Sterling, and his wife, Deanne (DeeDee), His son, Christopher Sterling, and his wife, Cynthia; His grandsons, Jeremy and Jameson Sterling; Several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24th, from 11:00 AM-1:00 with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:00 at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Northern Light Home Care & Hospice.