Francis Quincy Gay

Francis Q. “Hap” Gay, 93, passed away November 22, 2018. For 38 years, Francis was employed at the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, first as a switchman, then moving into the management ranks. He was also a mentor and instructor, sharing his expertise in switching networks.

Hap grew up on Peaks Island, ME, the son of Ida and Henry Gay. His father died when he was 11 years old. His mother had a thriving seamstress business for many years and Francis and his younger brother Robert helped support the family from a young age.

Francis’ memories of Peaks Island include working at cutting and storing ice at Trefethen’s Ice house for $5 a day and walking down any street on Peaks Island on a summer evening between 7:45 and 8:00 pm and hearing the Amos and Andy radio show—from every house. He remembers going to Portland on the ferry to buy fish at Flaherty’s Fish Market for fish chowder.

Francis is survived by Lois, his wife of 71 years, their children, Marcia F. Gay and Kathleen M. Gay of Seattle, WA, Dianne (Gay) Konon and her husband, Michael from Hampstead, NH and Kevin Gay and his wife, Deborah of Elton, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England. He also has 2 grandchildren, Keith M. Konon of Hampstead, NH and Jaimey L. Gero and her husband Ryan of Derry, NH, as well as 3 great grandchildren.

Francis was a long time member of the Lions Club and participated in many volunteer activities with the group, including the Peaks Island Lobster bakes. He was also an umpire with the Deering Little League and has a baseball field named after him in Portland – one of the proudest times of his life.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Park Danforth and Clark’s Terrace facility as well as Compassus Hospice for the loving and compassionate care Francis received.

No services have been planned per Francis’ wishes. Donations in his memory may be made to: The Peaks Island Fund, c/o Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Donations can also be made online on the Maine Community Foundation web page. Please designate the Peaks Island Fund on the drop down menu.

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