Obituary of Henry C Stover

BELFAST - Henry C. Stover, 97, of Belfast, passed away May 4, 2017. Henry was born in South Brooksville, Maine on June 15, 1919 to William Guy and Ruth (Condon) Stover; they moved to Belfast in 1921. He attended the Pierce School for six years, walking up from 8 Miller Street until the family moved to 25 Court Street in the late 1920's. He went to Crosby High School for grades 8 through 12, graduating in June 1936 just prior to his 17th birthday. Henry helped his father maintain their residence at 25 Court Street, including a LOT of painting. He also spent many hours at Bill Poor’s shack–where he learned to smoke! He received his driver’s license at age 15. He and his friend Jim Triehy built an “air-drive” car (with a hand-carved wooden propeller) while in high school. He bought a T-Ford from Howard Thompson, later had an “A” Ford. Henry started working at his father’s jewelry store in 1936. Henry went to Liberty in the fall of ’36 and met a cute girl – Gloria Frances Boynton. They courted for four years and were married September 28, 1940. They first lived at 25 Court Street in Belfast, then bought a house on Spring Street in 1941. He joined the Army in April of ’42, taking him to Alabama, Fort Dix in New Jersey, Churchill (CANADA) and then to Camp Myles Standish near Taunton, Massachusetts in the Fall of ’42. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946 during World War II, achieving the rank of sergeant. Henry and Gloria lived in Taunton from 1943-1946. He later owned the jewelry store where he worked for many years, expanding its inventory to include home appliances and electronics. He learned to service much of what they sold. And he even installed TV antennas for customers. Also, for many years he was employed by the City of Belfast as keeper of the “town clock” (in the steeple of the First Church), faithfully winding it twice every week. He LOVED clocks, having repaired many over the years and even having built some. He was very proud of being part of the electrification of the town clock in 1976. Henry and Gloria were both well known for being “professional volunteers” after retiring. They assisted the Boy Scouts, and each received the Silver Beaver award for exemplary service. They helped out not only the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, but also the Red Cross, the VITA Tax Assistance program and even the Chicken Reelers Square Dance Club. They enjoyed helping people. Henry and Gloria made many friends over the years. They considered a neighbor, Tina King, a daughter. And before Italian prisoners of war were sent home, Henry met and befriended Carlo Baccanelli. They became pen pals; Henry even learning some Italian. In 1996, he went on a group tour of Italy, met Carlo’s family, and went on to see many sights, including the leaning tower of Pisa. Among Henry’s proudest moments were the births of his children. Henry was predeceased by the love of his life, Gloria; granddaughter Denise M. Golding, and brother William H. Stover. He is survived by his children, David B. Stover and wife Lilo of Waldo, Daniel H. Stover and wife Noreen of Hampden, nephew (like a son) Robert D. Stover, Jr. and wife Judy of Freedom; two brothers: John and his wife Pat, of Florida and Robert, Sr. and his wife Nancy, of Belfast; grandchildren: Nathan D. Stover and wife Kelly of Brooks, Ann-Jeanette K. Estabrook and husband Kenneth of Waldo, Michael D. Stover and wife Diana of Waldo, Ian E. Stover and significant other Diane Tyler of Waldo, Jonathan Stover of Hampden; ten great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 1 P.M. Tuesday, May 16th at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. Burial with military honors will follow at Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry’s name to a charity of your choice.