GORHAM – Frederic A. Bliss, Jr., 98, of Gorham, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday Sept. 9, 2023, at the Gorham House where he has resided for three years.

He was born June 17, 1925 in Plymouth, Mass., the son of Frederic and Dorris (Tribble) Bliss. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1943 and went on to technical schools. He enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Army Signal Corp in Europe. He landed on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy. From there he took part in battles in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes Forest, and Central Europe, ending up in Czechoslovakia. He returned home on the USS Enterprise. From there he worked in the family hardware store in Plymouth.

In 1956 Fred moved the family to Readfield where they owned and operated Pinerest Cottages on Lake Maranacook in Readfield. As ill prepared as he was for this venture it was a great success for the whole family. After several years he decided to put his energies into starting his plumbing and heating business. He ran the plumbing and heating business until 1987 when he turned it over to his son, Dale.

His incredible wit and sense of humor drew many people to him and many became lifelong friends. With these friends he went skiing in Europe and the western states. After these adventures, he and Catherine became volunteers with the State Parks Association. They worked for 10 years to prepare for the opening of Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Ariz. They then became “Snowbirds” in Gulf Shores, Ala., again making many friends.

In the 1990s with the declining health of their son, Dale, the continuation of the plumbing and heating business came into question. After closing the business, they moved to Gorham to help their son. They moved to Ridgefield Drive where they were welcomed and Fred immediately got to work doing what he could to help out the association.

He is survived by Catherine (Carter) Bliss, his wife of 74 years; daughters Susan Mahoney of Lakewood, Colo. and Amy Farrell and her husband Robert of Woodstock, Ga.; grandchildren Adam S. Bliss and his wife Jennifer, Dawna Farrell, Robert “BJ” Farrell, Jr., James Mahoney, Catherine Hauglid and her husband Rick; and great-grandchildren, Anna Bliss and Carter Bliss.

He was predeceased by his sister, Dorris B. Pizzotti; his son, Dale F. Bliss, his daughter-in-law, Ranae, his son-in-law, John Mahoney; and his grandson, Zachary S. Bliss.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Gorham House for their patient and loving care during his last few months.

To express condolences or to participate in Fred’s online tribute, please visit http://www.dolbyblaissegee.com.

If desired memorials in his name may be made to

Layfette Masonic Lodge #48 in Readfield, and the

Multiple Sclerosis Assoc.

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