FRANKLIN
Robert W. Fernald, 73, died unexpectedly July 24, 2018, at his home in Franklin. He was born April 21, 1945, to Lloyd and Dorothy (Hardison) Fernald.
He graduated from Ellsworth High School in the Class of 1963, and from Washington State Teachers’ College (now University of Maine at Machias). He taught in Sedgwick and Brooklin for many years, 14 of them as school principal. Much of every summer was spent at Franklin’s blueberry factory, working at times for 18 to 20 hours per day during August.
He was town clerk in Franklin, following his father, then his mother in a tradition of over 75 years of continuous service in that position. He was available to issue marriage licenses, fishing licenses or copies of public records at most hours of the day and into the evenings. He was a notary public and was licensed to perform wedding ceremonies, which he often did. He served on boards of directors for, to name a few, Franklin Historical Society, East Franklin Cemetery Association, Bayview Cemetery Association, WHCA, and was president of the board at Pinebrook Senior Housing for several years. He helped to serve Meals for Me there. He was active in the transformation of the Franklin Library into an independent organization. His ever-ready offers of assistance for individuals in need of a helping hand were numerous and often not known to the public.
Robert is survived by his spouse George Stone, who cared for him during the last two years in Robert’s own home overlooking Taunton Bay; by his sisters Marie Parker and Joyce Shoppe and their families; and many dear friends and neighbors.
If desired, contributions may be made to Franklin Library, P.O. Box 202, Franklin, ME 04634, or a charity of one’s choice. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.