Joseph H. Vachon Jr. of Stetson, Maine, died peacefully on February 19, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born in Biddeford, Maine, and raised in Saco.
He was a graduate of Thornton Academy, Maine Central Institute, and Maine Maritime Academy. His athleticism and his love for football supported winning teams at all three schools. Upon graduation from Maine Maritime Academy with a degree in engineering, he was commissioned in the United States Navy, where he served honorably, ultimately retiring with the rank of commander.
He also worked as an executive for Texaco for 20 years. His entrepreneurial spirit supported later careers owning and operating vacation rental cottages and lobster fishing. For many years, he operated a lobster boat out of Camp Ellis, Maine, and served as vice president of the Maine Lobsterman’s Association. He retired to Stetson in 1990. His passion for the outdoors reflected itself in continuous hunting and fishing trips, gardening, and cultivating an extensive fruit orchard. He selflessly shared his love of the outdoors with his four children who cherish the memories of many outdoor adventures.
He remarried after the death of his first wife, Donna, and is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, and his four children: Joe, Nick, Cherie, and Matt, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joe’s memory to the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
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Latest Eight Bells
- Norman F. Laskay ’62Norman Frank Laskay (Norm) born July 3, 1941 in Lorraine, Ohio passed away at home in New Orleans on October 13, 2025 surrounded by his family and beloved dogs, Bella and Olive Grace. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Leslie Weathersby Laskay; daughter Socea Laskay May (Brian); preceded in death by […] The post Norman F. Laskay ’62 appeared first on Alumni.
- Capt. Charles E. Zenter ’96Captain Charles E. “Chuck” Zenter, 59, of Castine, Maine, and Key West, Florida, died October 13, 2025, in the loving care of his devoted wife and daughter. He charted his journey with bile duct cancer with a commitment to embody peace, grace, and dignity in this most challenging of life’s events. Chuck was a native […] The post Capt. Charles E. Zenter ’96 appeared first on Alumni.
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- James F. Lally, Jr. ’72James F. Lally, Jr., 76, of Pittsfield, N.H., passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025; at the Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord following a period of declining health. He was born on July 30, 1949; in Dorchester, MA; son of the late James Lally, Sr. and Margaret (McClain) Lally. James was educated in the […] The post James F. Lally, Jr. ’72 appeared first on Alumni.
- Charles L. Hooper ’56Charles Lee Hooper, 90, of Gales Ferry, passed away peacefully Sunday Sept. 21, 2025, at his residence. Charles was born Dec. 2, 1934, in Biddeford, Maine to Verner Ethelbrick Hooper and Louise Mildred Wilcox Hooper. He married Nancy Ann Clair April 23, 1960. She preceded him in death May 23, 2021. After graduating from Maine […] The post Charles L. Hooper ’56 appeared first on Alumni.
- 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 […] The post Arthur F. Wardwell, Jr. ’58 appeared first on Alumni.