Ralph B. Bartholomew

Gorham, ME – Ralph Bryant Bartholomew, 85, of Gorham and formerly of Lake Worth, FL and Portland, ME died peacefully in the company of his loving family after a long journey with Alzheimers, Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the Gorham House. He is the husband of Geraldine Rose (Macisso) Bartholomew.

He was born in Bristol, ME on July 26, 1925 a son of the late Samuel R. & Nellie (Bryant) Bartholomew. He grew up in East Deering and attended Portland schools.

In July,1943 he left Deering H.S. in his Junior year and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard He served his country proudly as a Carpenters Mate, working on lighthouses along the U.S. Coast until his mother’s premature death in 1946. After returning home he met, courted (under the watchful eyes of her 5 brothers) and married Geraldine Macisso on February 12, 1947. They have been happily married together for 63 years.

Ralph 'retired' as the Warehouse Supervisor for Hannaford Brothers in 1980 after 26 years. He was a 'company man' in the truest sense of the word. Over the years, as a result of his loyalty, hard work and dedication, he rose from warehouse man to supervisor. Not because of any degree or privilege, but because he worked hard along side his men, they respected him, trusted him and followed him. He empathized with each of them, laughed with them and toiled with them. He knew each on a personal level. He carried this work ethic on to Florida and worked for another ten years for Publix Supermarket. His work was his passion and his identity.

His true love was his faith, his wife and family and his friends and his Country. He dedicated himself to each with the same degree of energy and commitment. They were his pride and joy. He loved people. He connected to each in a unique and special way. He loved to eat and drink and share his joy in each. He believed in his hero's and his God. He loved working with his hands. Whatever he created, he shared. But most of all, he loved to laugh. The was his greatest and most lasting gift to all who knew him.

Besides his wife he is survived by his four children, Ralph S. and his wife Kim N.of Raymond, ME, daughter Patricia N. Docsh and her husband Michael of West Palm Beach, FL, Rita C. and her partner Ted Heselton of Kennebunk, ME and Thomas M, of South Portland, ME. He also leaves his nine grandchildren Ralph S. Jr. and his wife Bihn, David M., Alyse N., Emma Rose, Melissa J., Edmund J. II (Ted), Bryant B., Dustin A. Chernesky and his wife Giulia and Lydia G. as well as his two great grandchildren Julia and Max and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Sunday, November 21, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. in the Great Room of the Gorham House, 50 New Portland Road Gorham.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 22, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland

The Bartholomew family cannot thank enough the dedicated staff of the Gorham House who for the last 6 years of his life provided him with abundant care, comfort and dignity through the years. They shared his our laughter and tears.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made:

Alzheimer’s Association

Maine Chapter

170 US Route One, Ste. 250

Falmouth, ME 04105

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Ralph’s guest book.