Person Page - 1046

JOHN F. VANIDESTINE

BANGOR - John Frazier Vanidestine, Sr., 86, husband of Freda Mae (Hadley) Vanidestine, died Monday, June 13, 2005, after a brief illness at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. He was born Dec. 28, 1918, in Bangor, the son of James Aubrey Vanidestine and Mary Ellen (Mogan) Vanidestine, also of Bangor. He served his country and was a veteran during World War II in the Army. He was employed by the Maine Central Railroad for 34 years and retired in 1978. He followed in his father's footsteps who also worked for Maine Central Railroad for many years. John loved his job and fellow coworkers who he spoke of often. He had a keen interest in the railroad industry and spent many hours telling stories about his experiences to his grandchildren. He and his wife Freda retired in Florida in 1979 and lived there for 24 years moving back to Maine in 2003 living among family and many friends. John found the Lord in 1954 and from that point in his life he spent his time attending Calvary Baptist Church, in Brewar with his family and serving in several positions in the Church for 24 years. He was also a member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Polk City, Fla., serving as a choir member for 10 years. Upon returning to Maine he attended the Cornerstone Baptist Church jn Exeter. John and Freda have fond memories of their many friends at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Polk City, Fla. They also truly enjoyed their daily lunches with family and many friends at the Union Street McDonald's in Bangor. He is survived by his devoted wife and companion of 65 years, Freds Mae Hadley of Eddington; four children, John Frazier Vanidestine Jr of New Orleans, La., Dennis W and his wife Evelyn Vanidestine of Bungor, Gary G. and wife Ruth Vanidestine of Ellsworth. Pamela J and husband Robert Leavitt, of Newburgh; 16 grandchildren; 38 greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mildred Dunn of Howland, brother Herbert Vanidestine of Enfield, and sister Mary Teresa "Peggy" Vanidestine of Bangor. He was predeceased by his sons David and Robert. Friends are invited to visit with the family 6-8 pm Friday, June 17, at Brookings-Smith Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer, where a Service of Remembrance will be held 10 a m Saturday, June 18, with Pastor Stan Griffin, pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church Exeter, officiating and with a musical program by John's family. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery Brewer Those who wish to remember John in a special way may make donations in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House of Bangor, Inc., 654 State St., Bangor, ME 04401 Clipping location on The Bangor Daily News page 19.⁵