BUCKSPORT
Ralph Joseph Jewett passed away on Nov. 29, 2019, surrounded by his family, in the town he loved. For 93 years, he served as a towering figure of honesty, selflessness and dedication to all who knew him, leaving a remarkable legacy.
Born in Bucksport on Oct. 20, 1926, to George Herbert Jewett and Hazel Averill Jewett, he grew up with his brothers, George H. Jewett and Lloyd J. Jewett and his sisters, Elois Jewett MacCollum and Nancy Jewett Lord. Along with his siblings, he was raised by his stepmother, Frances Maxfield Jewett.
He proudly attended Bucksport schools and the University of Massachusetts prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force Corps at the age of 17, going on to serve as a corporal in the Philippines. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Marks, and they were nearly inseparable for the next 70 years. After graduating from the University of Maine in 1951, where he was known on the basketball court as “Mighty Mouse,” he began his career as an educator, first in Stonington, then Bucksport. He ended his tenure as principal of Bucksport High School, where his students appreciated his dedication to learning, fairness and his insistence on treating all equally.
Along with Marilyn, he dedicated his life to his three children, Jeanne Jewett Russell, Jon R. Jewett and Lisa Jewett Brott and their respective spouses, Ronald Russell and Avery Brott. He was adored by his beloved grandchildren, Todd Russell, Carrie Russell Marcus, Samuel Russell, Abigail Russell Goldsworthy and Emerson Brott; and his seven great-grandchildren, who were lucky enough to have him in their lives.
In his passing, he is an example of a life well lived.
If you wish to include a favorite story or anecdote of Ralph in a family scrapbook, please send them to arussell2@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Buck Memorial Library or Elm Street Congregational Church.