Gerald Owen Stadig

HARMONY – Gerald Owen Stadig, 89, passed away April 11, 2023 at Maine Medical Center in Portland, surrounded by loving family, after a short illness and a quietly extraordinary life.

Born in St Francis on Jan. 24, 1934, he was the youngest son of Dora (Byram) and Randolph Stadig, and graduated as co-valedictorian from Harmony High School in 1953.

After graduation, he worked with his brother Norman in the northern Maine woods. Gerald served in the Army, including time in Germany. Upon returning, he operated Norman’s crane for many seasons loading pulpwood in northern Maine. He was a skillful crane operator and did an exceptional job. He later did plumbing and heating, and ran Norman’s crane for the State of Maine for many years. He retired with over 30 years of service to the Maine DOT. His mechanical prowess was well known. Quiet, inventive, and capable of figuring out a way to do anything that needed doing, Gerald was highly respected by all and never hesitated to give of his time and expertise. He was quick to help everyone in the family whether on building, plumbing or heating projects, or changing a flat tire.

Gerald was well known for his sense of humor, wit, and easy grin. He wrote many humorous poems about actual events that happened to family members. He enjoyed flying model airplanes, model rockets, and had a large train set and was always willing to share these toys with nieces and nephews. All these qualities understandably made him loved by all the family. We all benefitted from knowing him.

Gerald and Ruth enjoyed traveling around Maine and New England, and for years they went bowling every Wednesday. In 2005, he and Ruth drove to Alaska to visit family and see the sights along the way.

Gerald is survived by his life-long love Ruth Sevey of Harmony, brother Norman of Harmony, sister Althea Hughes of Gakona, Alaska (currently in North Carolina), sister-in-law Mabel (Francis) of St Albans, many cousins in both the U.S. and Canada, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by older brothers Randolph and Francis, sister-in-law Veneine (Norman), and brother-in-law Kenneth Hughes, Jr.

In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, Newport. Those who wish may leave written condolences at http://www.CrosbyNeal.com

His high school yearbook summed it up this way: “Gerry has amazed us all with his electric contraptions and fabulous brain work. He is ambitious and an optimist with a sense of humor which will always help him over the tough spots. Keep up the good work thru life, Gerry.” Mission accomplished, Uncle Gerald. You are sorely missed and will always be in our hearts.