Waterville - Arthur P. Bishop 83, formerly of Brunswick, Maine died Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the home of Brad, Lynda, Cameron, and Kyle Bishop, where he had resided since February.
Art was born in Saco, Maine on August 19, 1926 the son of Arthur and Antoinette (Larose) Bishop. Art attended Saco schools, graduating from Thornton Academy in 1948, after serving his country during World War ll. Upon graduating from Thornton, Art embarked on what were the greatest four years of his life. Art enrolled at Bowdoin College, graduating in 1952, and the years spent at Bowdoin remain some of the greatest memories of his lifetime. Art spoke fondly of his friends that he made at Bowdoin especially those who played with him on the gridiron and baseball diamond. His football coach was Adam Walsh, the All American Center at Notre Dame who played for Knute Rockne. Equally impressive was baseball Coach Danny McFayden, who played on World Championship teams with Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees in the 1920’s. Art was an All-New England selection and Little All- American while playing football, and an All-New England, and State Series Team selection in baseball. He set several records in baseball at Bowdoin that still stand to this day.
After Graduation, Art worked in the textile industry traveling the east coast. It was in 1964 that he embarked on his true career as teacher and coach at Brunswick High School. He retired from teaching in 1987, but would always talk about his friendships and recall all the great students and athletes that he knew at Brunswick High. During retirement, Art spent some of the winter months watching the Red Sox in Florida, with friends Edmund and Patricia Gibson. He also frequented South Bend, Indiana to watch Notre Dame Football games. Art was a 2002 inductee into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. Cam and Kyle Bishop had one of the greatest grandfathers of all time. Art could be seen at a football field in Newport, a hockey rink in Bangor, or a baseball field in Bucksport, following his grandsons as they played for Waterville Senior High School. Cam and Kyle will be forever grateful for his support and guidance.
He was pre-deceased by his parents and sister, Georgette Bishop Stetson. Art married Rosemary Emerson Bishop in 1951. She died September 29, 1963 at the age of 35.
Surviving are his son Brad and wife Lynda (Giroux). Two grandsons who were the pride of his life, Cam a sophomore at Bowdoin College and Kyle a senior at Waterville Senior High School, all from Waterville. Special thanks to William (Bill) Cockburn for his friendship and many visits to see Art. Lynda’s mother, Joanne Lucas Falvo, for her support and never ending array of food. Dr. James Raker and his nursing staff Lisa and Virginia. Health Reach Hospice in Waterville, and especially his nurse Bertha, who’s quick wit and humor was appreciated.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, July 2nd from 4-7 PM at Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal Street Brunswick, Me 04011. There will be no funeral services. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brunswick High School Athletics, c/o Gene Keene 116 Maquoit Road Brunswick, ME 04011 where a scholarship in Arthur’s name will be established.
Memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com