WILLARD R. PRIOR-CROFOOT

WILLARD R. PRIOR-CROFOOT

Willard R. (Bill) Prior-Crofoot, 86, died Feb. 27, 2010, at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital in Blue Hill, Maine.

He was born on April 7, 1923, in Stamford, the son of the late Russell and Elsie (Borgmann) Prior-Crofoot. He attended Stamford schools and lived in Stamford until his retirement from Pitney Bowes after 43 years of service. Prior-Crofoot served proudly in the U.S Army Air Corps from 1943 to November 1945. He was engaged in England, France, Belgium and Germany, and received five battle stars in major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge.

In 1963, he was a guest of Gen. de Gaulle at the Bastille Day Celebration and was honored by the French government in May 2001 for participating in the liberation of France at the end of World War II.

After his retirement, Prior-Crofoot moved to Blue Hill, Maine, where he continued his many passions in life. He was a Springdale volunteer fireman for 27 years and, having been a photographer for several local photo studios, he served as photographer for the Blue Hill and Sedgwick fire departments in Maine. His other passions included sailing, fishing and hunting, winter vacations in Mexico, and various volunteer efforts on behalf of all current and past military personnel. He especially enjoyed being a troop greeter at the Bangor Airport for recently returning GI's. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his appreciation and love of nature, his love of family and pride in his grandchildren.

Prior-Crofoot is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janice (Woods) Prior-Crofoot of Blue Hill, Maine; his son, Douglas and his wife, Susan, and granddaughter, Emily of Stamford; his daughter, Yvonne and her husband, Gary Lash of Newport, R.I.; his granddaughter, Amy and her husband, Tim Fater of Boston; and grandson, Christopher Lash of Duxbury, Mass. He is also survived by a sister, Elsie Waronecki of Ridgefield, and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by the Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Maine. After a celebration of his life, interment will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Hancock Co., 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605.