1920
2013
John Edmond Stanhope Sr. left this earth to join the Lord on February 2, 2013. He went peacefully in his sleep with his lifelong love Sarah Jane Austin Stanhope and other family members by his side. Born, October 7, 1920, he was one of sixteen children born to Irish immigrants, William Stanhope and Sarah MacDaid Stanhope, who came to Maine from Derry, North Ireland in the early part of the twentieth century.
The ten children who survived into adulthood grew up under harsh conditions during the great depression and the boys and girls helped the family by gathering driftwood from east end beach and coal from the railroad tracks to help heat the family home on Adams street during the winter.
He and his siblings took any odd jobs they could find, they included delivery boy, night paper route, and loading freight cars for $3.00 a day. He eventually worked for the National Youth Association for $18.00 a month and worked baking bread for local Army troops on Great Diamond Island. There was so little money during the depression that the children didn't have the 10 cents needed to buy lunch at the high school cafeteria. All the immigrants on Munjoy Hill were in the same situation.
He joined the Marines shortly after World War II broke out and successfully completed Boot Camp at Camp Lejeune N. C. He eventually was shipped out of New Orleans with his fellow Marines for an unknown assignment overseas. Soon after they left New Orleans, they were disappointed to know that they were going to the Canal Zone, rather than a War Zone assignment. He spent the remainder of the war as part of a unit in Balboa, Canal Zone, and guarding ships as they passed through. Upon being honorably discharged at the end of the war he returned home to help care for his ailing mother in Portland. He was a devoted son who sent most of his salary home to his mother to support her while he was on active duty.
In 1950, he became a full time Policeman for the Portland Police Department following his training in 1948. His first assignment was the Portland Waterfront, now known as the Old Port section of town. He said that he never had to use his gun, but on several occasions relied on his "billy club" to subdue drunken patrons in bar fights or break-ins. He walked the beat for many years before his first assigned patrol car. He finished his career writing parking tickets/violations on Congress Street, which was the easiest job of his life, he said.
He met the love of his life Sarah and they married in 1959, raising three children on Brighton Avenue. He and Sarah employed by the Portland Gas Light Company, retired in the early and mid 1970's and spent their retirement years at their home. He worked part time as a courier for 10 years at Casco Bank and retired. John and Sarah enjoyed square dancing and danced for years throughout the northeast and Canada with a large group of square dancers and friends.
John enjoyed Irish tunes and Broadway Musicals and would regularly sing or hum these tunes when doing his chores or projects around the house. They loved their family and helped raise many grandchildren and held formal family gatherings at Thanksgivings and Christmases, until the last year of his life at their home on Brighton Ave. He spent his final days in the home he loved with the woman he loved surrounded by family and friends that loved him.
Predeceasing John are eight of siblings.
John is survived by his loving wife Sarah Stanhope of Portland, ME; their children, John E. Stanhope Jr. and his wife Elaine of Sebago, ME, Gary Morton and his wife Becky of Fort Mill, SC, Pam Peterson and her husband James of Portland, ME, a brother Erbyn Stanhope of Pennsylvania, and nine grandchildren, Sandy, Terry, Gina, Greg, Jennifer, Shannon, Todd, Brooke, Sean, Kaitlin, and Ian. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren.
A period of visitation for John and his family will be held this Thursday, February 7, 2013 from 5 to 7 PM at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland; where a funeral service will be held on Friday the 8th at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 27, 2013
David Robb
I am writing from N.Ireland. My grandmother was his father's William (nee Kearney) sister Mary Stanhope / McClure, who continued to live in Derry / Londonderry , N.Ireland, until her death in 1943. My mother, her daughter Adeline was very proud of the Stanhope name.
He is in my prayers.
David Robb [email protected]
February 17, 2013
Camilla Stanhope Mead
Dear Aunt Pat and family, My sincere sympathies to you all. I pray that you are comforted knowing that Uncle John is at home in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. I just looked at the photo gallery, and remember so fondly Uncle John's sweet nature and amazing smile! Every time I saw him I remember him having a smile on his face. My love to you, and please know that I will pray for your comfort. Sincerely, Camilla (Stanhope) Mead, Auburn, Georgia (Alan & Antoinette's daughter)
February 9, 2013
Another from the 'Greatest Generation' in God's care.
Thank you for your service.
February 7, 2013
Having John as a "brother-in'law" in our lives was a blessing. His kindness, humor and warmth will be dearly missed. We will also miss his Irish jokes. Our annual trips to Maine in October will not be the same. But know that he is smiling down on us. God Bless.
Love, John and Jeanette Morton (Laguna Niguel CA)
February 7, 2013
Kathy Storer
Dear John and Elaine, I am sorry for loss. You and your family and in my thoughts and Prayers.
February 7, 2013
Raymond Stanhope
To my Grand Uncle John's family, you have my deepest condolences.
February 6, 2013
Carlene Aceto
John, Elaine and family, our sincere condolences to you and your entire family during this time. We love you...........Carlene and family
February 5, 2013
Glynn Albers
My only regret is not having to know this member of my grandpa William Stanhope's family. My prayers are with you all. Glynn Ann Stanhope Albers, daughter of Raymond Edwin Stanhope who was the 3rd son to William F. Stanhope and Violet Drown Stanhope.
February 5, 2013
Frank, Linda, Mike Pulsoni
You Are Free
You followed the path God laid for you.
You took God's hand when you heard the call. You turned your back and left us all.
You could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. You found that place at the end of the day.
Yes your parting has left a void. But we will fill it with a remembered joy. Ah yes, these things you too will miss.
But now burdened with time of sorrow, we know you wish the sunshine of tomorrow. Your life was full, you savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Yes your time seemed all too brief. God wants you now, God set you free.
February 5, 2013
Pat Stanley
John was such a kind & giving man. He will be missed by all that knew hlm. I am so glad my daughter Terri included me on her visit to her wonderful grandparents. I was able to thank John & Sadie for what they did for me many years ago. My condolences to Sadie & all the family
February 5, 2013
Lucie Millette
To Sadie, Pam, Gary, Shannon,
I was so sorry when Kay gave me the sad news Sunday.
I just read his whole life story. How neat that was. I'm so happy I checked out the WEB and read it through.
Dear Sadie, I want you to know that I'm thinking of you here and all your loved ones. Sincere condoleances.
February 5, 2013
Philip Stanhope
Johnny wore his police uniform as he did his Marine uniform with respect for what it represented and not a speck of lint on it. A Gentleman at all times. A loving son to his mother. John also taught me how to drive in his 47 gray Plymouth
February 5, 2013
JoAnne Perry
Marty just called me at work to give me the news. I will toast John tonight with a whiskey--and a few tears. Every St. Patty's Day I listen to Celtic music and think of the stories that he and my Dad, Leonard, used to tell of their childhood. I treasured those moments and generally enjoyed the visits to John & Pat's house especially on Holidays when the house was decorated and full of cheer.
February 5, 2013
Robin Perry
Pat, Gary & Becky,
I'm so sorry to read this. You're all in my thoughts and prayers today.
February 5, 2013
Maria Pulsoni
To My Uncle John
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
To the family take comfort in
the fact that you did all
that you could do.
Maria Pulsoni (Adams Street)
February 5, 2013
Frank
Semper Fi! John.
February 5, 2013
Harold McCulloch
Sorry to read of this. John was one of the quietest but nicest people i knew He was well respected on the department. Judy& Harold
February 5, 2013
francis amoroso
throughout our lives we are blessed to meet some wonderful people who serve as role models for us. John was a true role model for me as I began my career with the Portland Police Dept. He taught me so much walking foot beats with him on Middle St. He could always be counted upon to defuse what could have become a very dangerous situation. John practiced Community Policing long before it became fashionable. The Portland Police Dept is a better place today because of John's time there.
February 5, 2013
Cosmo DiPierro
John, Elaine, Sean, Brooke and Ian, I am very sorry for your loss.
February 5, 2013
Alan Hubert
My sincere condolences to the entire Stanhope family.
God Bless.
Alan Hubert (friend of Shannon's).
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