PORT ORANGE, Fla.. – Barry Duncan Partridge, 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at his home in Port Orange, Fla. He was born in Skowhegan on August 5, 1949, the youngest of two children of Duncan and Claudia Partridge.

Barry was a 1967 graduate of Skowhegan High School and pursued a college education at the University of Farmington to become a math teacher. In his final semester, he decided to shift gears and purchased a local pizza shop, Al’s Pizza.

In August of 1984, he married the love of his life, Adina. Together they built a business and, more importantly, a life that they could have only dreamt of. As he put it before his passing, he lived the American Dream.

For well over 40 years, Barry and Adina built Al’s Pizza into a local landmark, serving generations of families and pouring their heart and soul into crafting not just “real food” but moments of joy and togetherness that linger in the hearts of customers and staff, whom he always believed in treating like “real people.” He considered his staff an extended family and was forever grateful for those who dedicated themselves to Al’s Pizza for so many years. He always took pride in being a supporter of the community and had tremendous gratitude for all the loyal customers that made the business such a mainstay.

Barry was an avid BASS fisherman. In the 1980s, he was regarded as one of the best in the State of Maine, winning tournaments and awards all over the region. Fierce competition and rivalries grew into lifelong relationships with many fishing buddies and their families, including Dean Samuel (Linda) and Jim Bruno (Carole).

Barry also had a passion for motorsports, from building hotrods with hometown friends to involvement in local short track teams through the 1970s. He spent many summers in the 1990s with the family, in a Winnebago van, chasing stock car racing all around New England and Canada. That continued well into the 2000s, following the PASS tour and attending many NASCAR races at Loudon and Daytona.

For over 25 years, Barry was an avid bowler in the central Maine area, participating in many leagues and tournaments around the region, including many trips to national competitions. As he did with so many chapters of his life, he established himself as a genuine nice guy, always ready to help in any way he could. This, in turn, gave him the opportunity to make many more lifelong friendships, which he cherished above all.

Upon retiring in 2012, Barry and Adina became Snowbirds, spending their winters in the Spruce Creek Fly-in community in Port Orange, Fla. As always, he made many more great friends and enjoyed the time spent on the lanai—cooking dinner, drinking wine, and sharing stories about a life well-lived. Some of his favorite company to spend time with were Jeff and Alice Murray, who were supportive and by his side until the very end.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Adina Partridge; children Marsha Toth (Kirk) of Oakland and Chad Partridge (Janice) of Oakland. He was a “Gramps” to Alexis, Mikayla, Colston, and Jensen. Also survived by his dearest mother-in-law Shirley Lagasse, brother-in-law Irwin Lagasse, both of Mercer, niece Jackie McDonough (Pat) and family of West Gardiner; his sister, Eileen Fernald (Jim) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., nephew Jim Ferland (Susan) and family of Seabrook Island, SC, niece Beth Luce (Graham) and family of Sherborn, Mass.

Barry was predeceased by his parents Duncan and Claudia Partridge and father-in-law Linwood (Dump) Lagasse.

Many thanks to all the medical professionals and caregivers who assisted Barry in his final months of life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, at T&B’s Celebration Center at 414 Madison Ave, Skowhegan ME. Please join family and friends for stories, food, and beverages.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com for the Partridge family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite holiday charity

in his honor

Copy the Story Link