BANGOR — Joseph Sewall, former Republican president of the Maine Senate and a longtime businessman and civic leader, has died. He was 89.

Sewall died today at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Born and raised in Old Town, Sewall took over the James W. Sewall Co., a forestry and surveying business started by his grandfather and great-uncle, after serving in the Navy during World War II. He retired in 2001.

He was elected to the Maine Senate in 1967 and served as Senate president from 1975-82, making him one of Maine’s longest-serving Senate presidents.

He also served on a number of commission and boards, including the Maine Maritime Academy board of trustees for more than 20 years.


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