Obituary of John L. Bishop, Sr.

LaGrange and Eastport - John Leavitt Bishop, Sr., 88, passed away peacefully January 19, 2018, at his home in LaGrange, after a 19 year battle with prostate cancer.  He was born April 17, 1929, in LaGrange, the son of Earl W. and Lillian Kalnin Bishop. John graduated from LaGrange High School in 1948, the only boy in his class.  John served in the United States Army from 1951-1953, spending 18 months in Korea as a railway telegrapher.  Upon returning home in 1953, John started his own business, Bishop Contractors; in 1957, he began Bishop Concrete in Brownville Junction.  John worked driving his blue Mack dump truck until 2016, when he retired due to failing health.  Bishop Concrete is still run today by his sons, John Jr. and James Bishop.  In 1954, John married the love of his life, Jean Gerrish.  He was a 60 year member of the Composite Lodge No. 168, LaGrange, a member of the Anah Temple Shrine, Bang, Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Bangor, the American Legion, and a Charter Member of the 15G’s Investment Club from 1967-2017.  John lived in LaGrange his entire life. He was active in town affairs and plowed the roads of LaGrange for many years.  John loved life and his family. He enjoyed fishing and bird hunting with the guys, spending time at his hunting camp in LaGrange, and time in Eastport with family and friends.

John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jean; his children, John Bishop, Jr. and wife Bonnie of Schoodic Lake, Joni and husband Don Crossman of LaGrange, James Bishop and wife Sherri of Milo, and Jackie and husband Eric Risch of West Gardiner; former son-in-law, Edward Mills and wife Donna; grandchildren, Peter, Jennifer, and Michael Bishop and wife Magen, Jason Mills and wife Andrea, Jamey Mills, Tiffany Bishop and fiancé Steve DelCasino, and Dustin Bishop; great-grandchildren, Peter, Ethan, and Josie Bishop, Asher Bishop, Riley Bishop, and Jordyn and Zakary Mills; sister, Josephine Ricker; sisters-in-law, Norma and Joan Bishop; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his grandson, Robert Bishop, infant son of John and Bonnie; brothers, Earl Jr. and Albert Bishop; nephew, Warren Bishop, son of Albert and Norma; and brother-in-law, Bernard Ricker.

The family is truly grateful to all the family and friends who have stopped to visit John during his final days as it meant a lot to Dad and all of them; Dad was blessed. A special thank you to Beacon Hospice and their nurses, Amanda and Ashley, for the wonderful care and compassion they showed Dad in his final days. Rest in peace, Dad.

A celebration of John’s life will be held 2:00PM Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the Kiwanis Building in Milo. Please feel free to wear your favorite flannel shirt in honor of Dad. Spring interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, LaGrange, for immediate family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Make-A-Wish Maine, 477 Congress Street, Suite M1, Portland, Maine 04101.  Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.