Obituary of Ashley L. Genthner

Thomaston — Ashley Lafayette Genthner Jr. died Oct. 15, 2015. He lived in Thomaston for 32 years, enjoying the home he shared with his wife, Monica, and their beloved animals. Ashley was born at home in Moxie Cove, Round Pound, April 15, 1927, to Clara (Leeman) and Ashley L. Genthner. As a youth, Ashley attended grade school in Medomak and high school in Waldoboro. He began his work career at Samples Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor. He joined the Navy in 1945 and was stationed at the Air Force base in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1950 Ashley married Monica Swears of Vinalhaven. They made their early homes in Connecticut and on Vinalhaven, later moving to Waldoboro and then Thomaston. Throughout Ashley’s life, he worked as a truck driver, lobsterman and carpenter. He was an avid gardener, canning and freezing the food he grew. Ashley was a lover and protector of birds and spent many hours watching and feeding them. Since he was a fan of music, the arriving guest was often welcomed by the sound of country western, bluegrass music and gospel tunes. Ashley and his wife, Monica, spent much of their time enjoying the company of family, friends and neighbors. They were quick to lend a helping hand to those in need and shared their wisdom and blessings with others. Ashley will be sadly missed by those who knew him. Ashley was predeceased by his wife, Monica, in 2002, sister Evelyn Reed, formerly of Friendship, sister and brother-in-law Marie and Robert Andrews, formerly of Fort Meyers, Fla., sister Virginia Geele, formerly of Waldoboro, brother-in law Richard Britto Jr., formerly of Rockland, niece Valerie Simmons, fomrerly of Friendship, and nephew Drew Reed, formerly of Friendship. He is survived by brothers-in-law Phillie Reed of Friendship and Bryce Geele of Thomaston; nephews Mark Reed, Wade Reed, Danny Reed, Duane Reed and Shawn Reed of Friendship; a niece, Holly Flagg, of Nobleboro; and nephew, Robert Andrews Jr., of Durham; nephews Kevin Genthner of Waldoboro and Chris Geele of Waldoboro; nieces Donna Britto of Rockland and Rose Britto; and several great-nieces and -nephews. His dog, Snoopy, is in good health and adjusting to her new home at 12 Wadsworth Court. Ashley greatly appreciated all the love and support he received from family and friends during the period of his declining health. He wished to extend special thanks to Holly Flagg, Deborah Miles, Beth and Barry Ames, Suzanne Armstrong, Nancy and Jeff Armstrong, hospice and Sussman House caregivers, and Chaplain Steve White. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the German Cemetery in Waldoboro. A celebration of Ashley’s life will follow at his home in Thomaston. Memorial donations in Ashely’s name may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.