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Edwin Lafayette Hobson III
RYE - Edwin Lafayette Hobson III, 84, of Rye, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999 in a single-car accident in his hometown of Rye, as he drove to the airport on his weekly commute to Cleveland.
Born July 3, 1915, in Richmond, Va., he was the son of May Carmichael and R. Archer Hobson.
He was a former resident of Bound Brook, N.J.; Alexandria, Va.; New York City; Monson, Mass.; Florissant, Miss.; Cranford, N.J.; Nashville; Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and Rye.
He graduated with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from M.I.T. in 1937.
A pioneer in the development of modern plastics from 1937-1941, he was the first thermoplastic sales and technical service engineer for Bakelite Corp., a division of Union Carbide.
He enlisted in the Army in 1941 and served in the Quartermaster General's Office, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. He co-invented plastic body armor and was instrumental in the development of advanced standardized army packaging, the introduction of polyethylene film, vinyl-coated fabrics, and helmet liners that improved the lives of combat troops and saved lives. By the end of the war these materials constituted 15 percent of U.S. production of plastics. The research of his group led to the first commercial production of polyethylene film.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit from the Secretary of War who stated that he "conceived, developed and was personally responsible for the vital role played by plastic materials in World War II. ... His accomplishments so vital in war will be of continuing benefit in peace."
In 1946, he earned a Certificate of Advanced Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
From 1946 to 1967 he guided Monsanto Company and Gering Plastics in marketing its wide range of plastics during its era of rapid growth in the '50s, where he was responsible for the introduction of ABS, sales of polystyrene, Polyethylene, and vinyl chloride.
In 1968, he co-founded Aladdin Synergetics Inc. of Nashville, Tenn., where he held the office of president and chief executive officer. In this capacity, he developed thermal food preparation and holding systems for hospitals and airlines, building the company from an idea to a thriving multinational organization.
In 1982, he joined the Strategic Planning Institute as director of venture analysis.
From 1982 until his death, he was president and CEO of Abanaki Corporation of Chagrin Falls, a manufacturer of pollution control oil skimming systems.
He lived a life that fulfilled his every dream. He was a familiar figure in Rye motivated by relentless energy, genuine and contagious optimism whatever the obstacles, and an irrepressible zest for living. He enjoyed people of every personality and persuasion, who in turn cherished his company and undying good spirits. He maintained an active life to the end, commuting weekly for business to Cleveland, and traveling throughout the United States and Europe to visit his numerous friends and family. Those who were fortunate to know him will miss him dearly.
In 1947, he married Jane Phyllis Smith. She died in 1980.
Survivors include 11 children: Jane Elizabeth Hobson of North Vancouver, Wash., Edwin L. Hobson Jr. of North Middlesex, Vt., John Archer Hobson of Falmouth, Maine, Anne Marie Hobson of Kittery, Maine, Susan Hobson of Seattle, Wash., Mary Hobson of Richmond, Maine, Martha Hobson of Kenmore, Wash., Catherine Hobson of Seattle, Margaret Hobson of Charlottesville, Va., Mark Thomas Hobson of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and Paula Michele Hobson of Concord, Mass. In addition, he leaves 18 grandchildren. He also leaves siblings, R. Archer Hobson of Stanton, Va., Graham Black of Miami and Richard Hobson of Alexandria, Va.
Kenneth R. Young Sr.
WELLS - Kenneth R. Young Sr., 80, of Captain Thomas Road, died Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, at York Hospital.
Born Feb. 9, 1919, in Ogunquit, he was the son of Andrew and Maude Johnson Young. He attended Ogunquit schools and was a graduate of Wells High School.
He served in the Navy during World War II. Before entering the Navy, he played baseball from 1937 to 1942 with several teams, including Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and with the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a pitcher.
Following the war, he rejoined the Cardinals organization and served as a scout in northern New England until the early 1950s. He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. He was one of 14 players to receive a gold pass to any Major League baseball park in the nation from the commissioner of baseball.
He was employed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery for several years as an electrician. He was a well-known fisherman and lobsterman on the coast of Maine and New Hampshire, fishing out of Perkins Cove in Ogunquit on more than four boats, most recently on the Ugly Anne, a tourist boat during the summer season.
He was a member of several organizations, including a 50-year member of Ocean Masonic Lodge of Wells, the Scottish Rite Bodies, Maine Consistory 32nd, Valley of Portland, Kora Shrine of Lewiston, the York County Shrine Club, the Wells-Ogunquit Historical Society, the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, American Legion of York, and the Maine Lobstermen's Association. He also served the Ogunquit community by serving as harbor master for several years and on the town's Board of Selectmen.
He was the husband of Jeanne Myrand Young.
In addition to his wife, survivors include one son, Kenneth R. Young Jr. of Cape Neddick; one daughter, Mrs. Everitt (Judy Lynne) Gilliam of Concord, N.C.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two nephews.
Ailene D. (Gaston) Lewis
PORTSMOUTH - Mrs. Ailene D. Lewis, 77, of 287 Marcy St., died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Conn.
Born Nov. 26, 1922, in Montgomery, Ala., she was the daughter of the late George and Louise (Frazier) Gaston. She was a Portsmouth resident since 1959.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Portsmouth and a visiting member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Prince William City, Va. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Montgomery, Ala., and had been a den mother of Weeblos Pack 275 in Portsmouth.
Survivors include 11 children, Ailene Anderson of Dale City, Va., Audrey Lewis of Dale City, Va., Valerie Carter of Dale City, Va., Vicki Gibbs of Gales Ferry, Conn., William Lewis of Dale City, Va., Johnny Troddy of Dale City, Va., Jeda Troddy of Dale City, Va., Rickey Stewart of Hampton, Va., Thaddeus Stewart of Hampton, Va., Phyllies Loftin of Portsmouth and Larry Stewart of Portsmouth; a sister, Ola Mae Stewart of Portsmouth; a brother, Wilbert Gaston of Corona, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and grandnieces and grandnephews.
George Brown
PORTSMOUTH - Funeral services for George Brown, 83, of 21 Hampshire Road, were held from Buckminster Chapel on Friday, with services at Temple Israel. Rabbi David Mark officiated.
In attendance were members of Temple Israel.
Burial was in Temple Israel Cemetery, with committal services by Rabbi Mark.
Bearers were Mark J. Brown, Evan J. Brown, Frank Wisinski, Monty Curtis, Thomas Vincinguerra, Stephen Dimarco and Jacob Brown.
Lorraina M. Valencia
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Lorraina M. (Barry) Valencia, 67, of Glendale, died Monday, Dec. 13, 1999, in the Thunderbird Samaritan Medical Center in Glendale.
Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Marie (Mitchell) Barry. She had lived on the Maine seacoast for many years before moving to Arizona 20 years ago.
She was the wife of the late Eugene P. Valencia.
Survivors include four daughters, Susan A. Cox of Kittery, Michele R. Keith of Waltham, Mass., Cherise M. Valencia of Charlottesville, Va., and Lorraine M. Bacon of Phoenix; two sons, Eugene P. Valencia Jr., of Poway, Calif., and Christopher J. Valencia of Phoenix; nine grandchildren, including Tracy M. Evans, Aaron M. Gardner and Adam A. Laframboise; her great-grandchild, Patricia M. Evans; three brothers, John Barry Jr., of Florida, Michael Barry of Michigan and Peter Barry of Cape Cod; 14 nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Danny Barry.
Benjamin Slom
Benjamin Slom, 86, of 253 Broad St., died Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999, at his home.
Born Nov. 22, 1913, in Lewiston, Maine, he was the son of the late Charles and Fannie (Shapiro) Slom. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated from the University of Southern Massachusetts at Dartmouth.
A member of Temple Israel, he served on the education committee, board of directors, B'nai Brith, and brotherhood of the temple.
He was also a member of the Portsmouth Country Club; a member and past master of St. Andrew's Lodge No. 56 F&AM of Portsmouth; Scottish Rite Valley of Portsmouth and Dover; and N.H. Consistory 32nd degree in Nashua.
He also served as Ward 2 moderator for Portsmouth.
He was the husband of Rose (Goldstein) Slome.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughter, Evelyn Slome Karu of Portsmouth; and three nieces and two nephews.
Erna M. Bryant
PORTSMOUTH - Mrs. Erna M. (Kaiser) Bryant, 78, of 330 New Castle Ave., died Friday Dec. 17, 1999, at her home.
She was born April 30, 1921, in Giessen, Germany.
She was the wife of the late Robert T. Bryant.
Survivors include two sons, Robert W. Bryant of Portsmouth, and Thomas H. Bryant of York; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Ailene D. (Gaston) Lewis
PORTSMOUTH - Mrs. Ailene D. Lewis, 77, of 287 Marcy St., died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Conn.
Born Nov. 26, 1922, in Montgomery, Ala., she was the daughter of the late George and Louise (Frazier) Gaston. She was a Portsmouth resident since 1959.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Portsmouth and a visiting member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Prince William City, Va. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Montgomery, Ala., and had been a den mother of Weeblos Pack 275 in Portsmouth.
She was the wife of the late William R. Lewis.
Survivors include 11 children, Ailene Anderson of Dale City, Va., Audrey Lewis of Dale City, Va., Valerie Carter of Dale City, Va., Vicki Gibbs of Gales Ferry, Conn., William Lewis of Dale City, Va., Johnny Troddy of Dale City, Va., Jeda Troddy of Dale City, Va., Rickey Stewart of Hampton, Va., Thaddeus Stewart of Hampton, Va., Phyllies Loftin of Portsmouth and Larry Stewart of Portsmouth; a sister, Ola Mae Stewart of Portsmouth; a brother, Wilbert Gaston of Corona, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Peter P. Bubelis Jr.
PORTSMOUTH - Peter P. Bubelis Jr., 83, of Holiday Drive, died unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 17, 1999.
Born Oct. 4, 1916, in Portsmouth, he was the son of Peter and Grace Bubelis. He attended St. Patrick School and Portsmouth High School, after which he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
During World War II, he served in Navy, and later worked at the Electric Boat Shipyard in Connecticut before becoming disabled.
He was a communicant of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Survivors include two nieces, Janice M. Griffin of Richmond, Calif., and Ann (Griffin) Collins of Millersville, Md.; and a nephew, Steven K. Arnold of Dallas.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Mary (Bubelis) Griffin and Ellen (Bubelis) Arnold, and longtime friend Hattie "Bea" Davis.
James D. Hanson
YORK - James Dennis Hanson, 86, of Beech Ridge Road, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999, in Lakeland, Fla.
Born Nov. 14, 1913, in York, he was the son of Augustine C. and Katherine (Doyle) Hanson. He graduated from York High School and the University of Maine. He later received his master's degree in sanitary engineering from Harvard University.
He was employed in the safety division at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from 1942 until his retirement. He served as assessor for the York Beach Corp. and as a trustee for both the York Water and Sewer districts.
He was a communicant of St. Christopher Church in York.
He wintered in Lakeland, and liked to whittle, collect antiques, and reminisce with old friends.
He was the husband of the late Marguerite (Robertson) Hanson for 50 years, who died in 1990.
Survivors include a son, W. Dennis Hanson of Seville, Spain; two daughters, Margaret P. LaForge and her husband, John, of East Harpswell, Maine, and Carole H. Guentert and her husband, Kenneth, of San Jose, Calif.; a beloved sister, Katherine Sturtevant of York; seven grandchildren, Michele LaForge of Metuchen, N.J., John E. LaForge II of Sarasota, Fla., Matthew LaForge of Belfast, Maine, Amy Anderson of Bremerton, Wash., Erin Pashkow of Tulsa, Okla., and Bryce and Jack Hanson of Seville, Spain; two great-grandsons, Jonathan Pashkow of Tulsa, and Aidan Anderson of Bremerton; first cousins, Catherine Tiffany of Kittery, and Arthur Bridges of Morris, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.
Raymond L. Emery Sr.
ROCHESTER - Raymond L. Emery Sr., 94, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999, at The Sunbridge Care & Rehabilitation in Rochester.
Born April 9, 1905, in Kittery Point, he was the son of Willard G. and Mary (Amee) Emery. He was a resident of South Berwick for many years, and also of Frost Hill Road in Eliot.
For many years he worked as manager of Sterling Cut-Rate Drug in Dover and retired from J.M. Fields Supermarket in Newington.
He was a member of Alpha Council No. 83 Royal Arcanum and the First Christian Church in Kittery Point.
Survivors include three sons, Raymond L. Emery Jr. of North Berwick, Paul G. Emery of South Berwick, and Stephen E. Emery of Westmoreland, N.H.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Earl E. Emery, and a sister, Bertha Mugridge.
James C. Gahan Jr.
RYE BEACH - The funeral for James C. Gahan Jr., 87, of 51 Myrica Ave., was held Monday at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Theresa Church in Rye Beach.
The Rev. Maurice Lavigne was celebrant. Salvatore DiVincenzo was acolyte. Judy Kish was organist, and Judy Silverman was soloist.
The pall was placed on the casket by Janet Underhill, Barbara Gelnett and Jennifer Sachi Gahan. Barbara Gelnett and Daniel Donovan offered the readings. Jennifer Sachi Gahan offered the prayers of the faithful. Jennifer Sachi Gahan and Christopher T. Gahan presented the gifts to the altar. Words of remembrance were offered by Christopher T. Gahan.
Burial followed in the Central Cemetery in Rye, with committal prayers offered by the Rev. Lavigne. The United States flag, which lay on the casket, was presented to the widow of the deceased, Reiko (Tsubaki) Gahan.
Pallbearers were Christopher T. Gahan, James C. Gahan III, James C. Gahan IV, Benjamin Gelnett, Bill Richards and John Donovan.
The Rev. Lavigne offered prayers at the funeral home on Sunday evening.
