John A Davis Sr. Obituary (1921 - 2012)

John A. Davis, Sr December 6, 1921 – December 12, 2012 It is with profound sadness the Davis’ family announces the passing of a father, grandfather, great grandfather, John Davis Sr, into God’s hands. John (aka Dad) had one soul mate in his life; his departed wife, Marjorie. What they mutually shared was remarkable, a relationship unrivaled that was a role model for all their children. Dad leaves a large void in the lives of his eight children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad was born in Watertown, New York to Clarence and Helen Little Davis. He is predeceased by one brother, Robert C. Davis of Watertown, New York and one sister, Marilyn Davis Giltz. He has one surviving sister; Barbara Babcock of Fremont, California. His family: John (Jack) Davis, Jr. and wife Susan and late wife, Mary. Their children: John Cormier and wife Renee; Kimberly Sweet and husband Danny and their children Zachary and Seth; Alexandria Davis Deschambault and husband Keith; Jason Davis and wife Heather and their children Cortlynn, Benjamin and Liberty. Terry Lee Hornstein and the late Louis Hornstein. Their children: Cherie O’Connor and husband David and their children Paige, Sydney and Jacob; Casey Spilatro and partner Maria Fiarella and Casey’s child Kelsie; Russell Hornstein and wife Fiona and their children Zach and Byron. Daniel R Davis and wife Maureen. Their children: Michaele Layng and husband Robert and their children Annalise and Harper; Danielle Davis and her child Lennox; Zeb Davis and wife Gina and their children Nora and Emmet. Deborah Arsenault and husband Keith. Clarence Mark Davis. His daughters April Davis and Willow Russell and grandchild Odessa. David M Davis and his former wife Sheryl. Their daughters Samantha Carey and her children Ryleigh and Abigail; Sarah Lea Davis and partner Pete Kirby and their children Emilee and Kaylee. Donald P Davis and wife Jane and their daughter Jade Clukey. Margie Davis Lewis and husband Kevin and their daughter Bailey. The Davis Family also wants to acknowledge some and thank the following very special care-givers that assisted our Dad in the past few years: Rita Adams, Raylene Long, Nancy Hartsgrove, and Brenda Thiobeau. Their loving care was greatly appreciated. John graduated from Watertown High School and Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy. His entire class from Kings Point was drafted into the Navy as World War II was in progress. Dad eventually became a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Navy and sailed around the world several times during the course of WWII. It was while studying at Kings Point that he began dating the love of his life, Marjorie Grace Butts who was studying to become a Registered Nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Mom graduated in 1943 and Dad was drafted into the Navy. They married in Watertown, New York on April 1, 1945. Together they shared a zest for life which began on a wedding trip that carried them from coast to coast. Their ‘life’s journey’ spanned 63 years before his soul mate passed away on September 23, 2008. While his focus on life was on his family, Dad was a very successful businessman. Before moving to Maine in 1960, he and his brother Robert founded one of the largest public accounting firms in Northern New York. From that, he and his brother founded Seaway Vending Company in Watertown which was also very successful. Wanting to expand on his business ventures, he bought a vending company in Skowhegan, Maine and moved his family of eight to Skowhegan in June of 1960. Somerset Food-O-Mat grew under his guidance and was eventually sold to the Howard Johnson Company in 1984. Still not content with his business accomplishments and with a large family to support, Dad established Northeast Merchandising Company which later became known as Northeast Coffee Company. His business instincts were good and he served as a role model to many. Dad had many joys in life, but none compared to having family around. He was well known for his quick wit and great sense of humor. He enjoyed being at his camp on Lake Wesserunsett where rumor has it he liked swimming across the lake – underwater!! He loved taking in plays at Lakewood Theater. Many evenings you would find him playing some form of card games with members of his family. For over 25 years, he particularly looked forward to spending considerable time with his wife in Barbados during the winter months with their many friends, especially Vincent and Margaret Cordice. Dad was always open for a lively conversation of what was happening in the world or with the family. We are going to miss him very much….. In his earlier years Dad was active in various community activities. Some of these were The Lions Club in Watertown, New York, Rotary Club in Skowhegan and Church affairs and committees. Dad was also a long standing member of the Masonic Lodge. Arrangements are with the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan, There are no visiting hours. A memorial service for family and close friends will be held on Tuesday, December 18th at 11:00 A.M. at the Federated Church in Skowhegan officiated by Reverend Mark Tanner. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: HealthReach Homecare & Hospice, Skowhegan, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04903 and / or The Skowhegan Federated Church, Island Avenue, P.O. Box 504, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.