Wayne was the first-born son to Horace and Ruth Wardwell on February 13th,1936 in Castine, Maine. Wayne went on to graduate from Maine Maritime Academy in 1957, receiving a Bachelor of Marine Science degree. For the next two years Wayne traveled the world with the Merchant Marines, later in life enthusiastically sharing the stories of his adventures with his children and grandchildren.
Upon his return, he attended the Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek, South Carolina and then served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade, in the United States Navy Reserve from 1959 to 1968. While serving his country, Wayne went on to positions at Bethlehem Steel and Texas Instruments. At Texas Instruments he began working on components for both the Apollo 11 and 13 NASA missions, ultimately serving in several management positions at Texas Instruments, Attleboro MA, and Mexico.
After retirement, Wayne and his wife Cynthia moved to Vero Beach where he, as he had done throughout his life, became very active in the local community. Wayne served as President of the Vero Beach Alzheimer’s Association and as a member of the Orchid Island Rotary Club of Vero Beach and enjoyed time with friends from the Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club and Indian Trails Tennis Club. In addition, Wayne had a wonderful, booming voice and enjoyed singing in the choirs at Trinity Episcopal Church, Christ by the Sea Church, and with the Sea Oaks chorus.
Wayne is survived by Cynthia Wardwell, his soul mate of 39 years; his daughter Leslie Quigley (Joseph) and his four sons, Wayne (Cara Cargill), Christopher (Kelly), Todd (Molly) and Jeremy (Caryn); as well as his 10 grandchildren; Meredith, Chase, Harrison, Justin, Logan, Jesse, TJ, Kyle, Cory, Declan and his great granddaughter Jolene.
In addition to his father and mother, Wayne was predeceased by his sister Enid White and brother Lee Wardwell. Lastly, his beloved Tibetan Terrier (Jackie O) left this world on July 15, 2022 – no doubt to meet him upon his arrival.
Latest Eight Bells
- Arthur F. Wardwell, Jr. ’58Captain Arthur F. Wardwell Jr. “Sonny”, age 88, of San Diego, California and Castine, Maine, passed away peacefully at his home on July 10th, 2025 keeping his last watch over San Diego Harbor. Art was born on March 13th, 1937 in Bangor Maine, the youngest child of Arthur F. Wardwell and Mildred “McMahone” Wardwell. He attended Bangor […]
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