SCARBOROUGH — John D. “Jack” Bridges 85 of Old Orchard Beach, died Thursday June 21, 2018 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Scarborough with is loving family by his side.
He was born Dec. 2, 1932 a son of Forrest and Agatha (Curley) Bridges. Jack made the decision to leave high school after his junior year and enlist in the United States Air Force on April 28, 1950. Jack proudly went on to serve until his retirement on Aug. 1 , 1971.
Jack married Gloria LeBrecque on July 7, 1956 at St. Margaret Church in Old Orchard Beach.
While serving during the Vietnam War, he received many awards and honors, including the Sharp Shooter and Bronze Star Medal in 1962, as well as the Air Force Commendation Medal. Jack retired with the Rank of Technical Sergeant. He also had the accomplishment of completing his GED, which is something that he had always wanted to do after leaving high school early.
After retirement he returned home to Maine and worked in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Post Office where he would spend the next 25 years.
Jack was a 30-year member of the Knights of Columbus, a Saco Eagles member and Past Commander and Treasure of VFW post 7997 in Old Orchard Beach. He enjoyed challenging his two sons-in law, Ron and Steve, to frequent games of pool at the VFW. Jack also liked playing cards and cribbage, and he was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan. Still, to this day, he enjoys following the Orioles and reading the box scores in the morning while having his breakfast.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gloria and son Joseph Bridges and his brother Patrick Bridges.
Surviving are a son Mark Bridges and his fiancée Donna of Maine; daughters Mona Gendron and her husband Steve of Biddeford and Monica Hankel and her husband Ron of Oold Orchard Beach; grandchildren Candice, Sean and Ian Bridges; great-grandson Camden Harris; a brother Steve Bridges of Texas; a sister Agatha Derepentigny of Maine ; and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours will 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 25 2018 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, meeting directly at St Margret Church in Old Orchard Beach. Burial will be in St Mary’s Cemetery in Biddeford.
To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.
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