Paul L. Anderson

Paul L. 'Andy'
Anderson
SOUTH PORTLAND - Paul L. 'Andy' Anderson, of South Portland, passed away peacefully at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House during
the early morning hours of March 11, 2014.
The seventh of eight children, he was born in Hodgdon on Aug. 3, 1922, to Ranceford Anderson and Rose Spooner Anderson. At the age of 13, he left school to work as a lumberman alongside his father. At 18, he left Aroostook County to serve in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Massachusetts. It was during this time that he acquired the nickname 'Andy,' which would stick for the remainder of his life.
Andy joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, serving for six years, first assigned to the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Walter S. Brown, and later to the Tanker U.S.S. Pawcatuck.
In 1947, Andy married Gervaise 'Geri' Gibson of Ossian, N.Y. The couple celebrated their 67th anniversary on Jan. 10, 2014. Andy and Geri eventually settled in South Portland, and raised four children.
Andy worked full time until the age of 83 at a variety of occupations. He was an assistant manager at the Augusta House Hotel, a sewing machine salesman for the Singer Company, and for many years, an automobile salesman. He eventually opened his own dealership, the Family Auto Center in Portland. From 1982 until 2006, Andy worked for Goodwill Industries.
Andy was an avid reader and life-long learner. He had a great appreciation for music and the arts, owning a record collection with music ranging from Beethoven to the Beatles. He loved to read poetry, and could recite from memory works by Robert Frost, Dylan Thomas, and others.
Andy was a dedicated fan of the Red Sox and Patriots, and also followed UMO football.
Andy was well loved by all who knew him.
Andy is survived by his wife, Geri; and by his children, Nancy Norton of Sebastian, Fla., Sam Anderson of Old Orchard Beach, James Anderson of Camp Hill, Pa., and Katherine Anderson-Cro of Rockledge, Fla. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his good friend, Kendall Morse.
There will be no funeral. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the Anderson family requests that donations be made to the Gosnell Memorial
Hospice House in Andy's memory.
Paul L. 'Andy' Anderson