Clarence Nelson Pelletier

PORTLAND – Clarence Nelson “Skip” Pelletier, 91, passed away in Portland on March, 2 2023, after a period of declining health. He most recently resided at The Cedars Assisted Living in Portland.

Skip was born Jan. 14, 1932 in Old Town, to parents Clarence Nelson and Laura Johnson Dyer

Pelletier. He loved sports and lettered in four varsity high school sports at Orono High School: Football (captain), Basketball (captain), Baseball and Track. He was named first string tackler for Maine’s All Eastern Small Schools Football Team.

After graduating from Orono High School in 1950, Skip attended University of Maine at Presque Isle, studying elementary education. He played varsity basketball until he broke his leg during a game, ending his collegiate sports career. In 1953 Skip joined the Air Force, and served 3 years managing radar systems in Greenland. In 1956 he returned to University of Maine at Orono, earning a BS in Education in 1959. He received his Masters in Education from University of Maine in 1962.

Skip married Joan Kirshen of Orono in 1957 and they welcomed three children within the next five years. Skip’s first teaching job was in Waterville, and many administrative positions followed. He worked as teacher, principal and guidance director in many Maine communities where he valued serving as an advocate for children. He truly loved Maine and enjoyed living and working in all different areas of the state, including Greenville, Berwick, Patten, Wiscasset, Bath, Ellsworth, Lubec, Eastport and Brewer. Skip retired from public education in 1982 and became a social worker, working with Maine Child Protective Services. He worked in challenging situations and intervened on behalf of kids in need, with calm good-humored demeanor.

During school summers and “early retirement,” Skip enjoyed other work: Driver Ed Instructor, Immigration Border Agent (US-Canada), Airport TSA Security Agent, Limo Driver, US Census Taker, and South Portland Municipal Golf Course Attendant. He was proud to learn new things and liked to stay active. After retirement, Skip and Joan relocated from Brewer to Cape Elizabeth, and then to Scarborough, enjoying their grandchildren as they grew.

Skip continued an interest in sports throughout life, contributing many hours to coaching youth team basketball and baseball. He loved golf and entered solo and group tournaments with many wins through the years. He enjoyed leagues and scrambles wherever he lived and made several career hole-in-ones. He was the number one sports fan of his children and grandchildren, and a dedicated supporter of all of their family lives and interests, including their performance and musical talents. Skip was especially proud to see both grandsons as part of South Portland Red Riots championship basketball teams, and to recall his own Orono Red Riots teams.

Skip also enjoyed travel, particularly road trips with his family. He toured the family through Canada and every state in the lower 48 over the years, exploring national and state parks. After retirement, Skip and Joan spent summers in Maine and winters in Myrtle Beach, SC. Skip loved exploring the outdoors and historic sites, watching jet planes and ocean ships, keeping tabs on local Osprey nesting, doing home renovations/flips, and of course spoiling a series of beloved pets. Skip endearingly liked to “keep moving.” His perceptive insights and frank sense of humor will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Skip was predeceased by his parents, wife Joan in 2015, sister Margaret Peirce, sister-in-law Judy Pelletier and niece Laurie Dow. He is survived by his brother John (Jack) Pelletier of Gorham, sister Rosemary Merchant of Portland, son Michael Pelletier of Boston and husband David, daughter Catherine Pelletier of Scarborough, son Bruce Nelson Pelletier of South Portland and wife Susan, and grandchildren, Ryan Pelletier and Matthew Pelletier, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Skip’s family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at The Cedars, and Compassus Hospice, for their guidance, kindness and compassion.

A reception celebrating Skip’s life will be held at a future date in warmer weather.

Condolences may be expressed online at: http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Animal Refuge League,

P.O. Box 336,

Westbrook, ME 04098