SACO – Ralph Peter Loring, 86, passed Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford. He was born July 4, 1935, in Eastport, Maine, the son of Ralph and Hester Pomroy Loring.

Pete graduated from Bangor High School and completed the four-year Saco Lowell Apprenticeship Program. He worked as a machine design engineer primarily for Maremont, Southworth Machine Company, and Forklevator. For a ten-year period, he successfully worked independently as an outside contractor.

Pete and his wife Beverly are members of First Parish Congregational Church UCC of Saco. He was a member of Dunlap Masonic Lodge #47 in Biddeford for over 50 years.

Peter was predeceased by his son Robert James Loring, his sister Patsy Middleswart, and her two sons, Blaine and Patrick. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Beverly Willey Loring of Saco; a daughter, Patricia Benamati and her husband, Michael; four grandsons, Scott, Brad, Christopher, and Nathan; and four great-grandsons, Gavin, William, Samuel, and Micaiah.

He was a quick-witted, funny man, but with a quiet manner, who enjoyed sports such as skiing, golf and tennis. He loved vegetable gardening, car shows, collecting and restoring antique cars, good times at the hunting “River Camp” in Beddington, and get-togethers with family and friends, partying, playing cards and games. When the children were young, Pete enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends far and wide. Roaring bonfires with his friend Gerry were a special treat. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, doing crossword puzzles, playing Bananagrams, and sitting on the porch watching the world go by.

One of Pete’s yearly highlights was his 4th of July birthday party and lobster feed at his mom’s house in Belfast with extended family. Patriotic cakes made by Nana Loring for Pete were spectacular.

Pete loved mowing with his lawn tractor, either dodging or driving through damp areas behind the house despite occasionally getting stuck!

Our beloved Peter – a.k.a., Dad, Grampy, Uncle Pete – was a loving, gentle but firm, reassuring rock of stability in the lives of his family and all who knew him. His fun-loving, supportive presence will be remembered by everyone, as long as we live.

Private services will be held. Closed casket. Mask required please. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Deering Park section, Rev. Scott Cousineau officiating. Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco are entrusted with his services.

In lieu of flowers,

remember Peter

and enjoy life!

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