CORNISH- Jay S. Traunig (Joseph, Jr.) died unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident on September 8, 2017. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 4, 1950, the son of the late Joseph S. Traunig, Sr. and Dolores (LaViolette) Traunig. He grew up in Simsbury and Wethersfield, Connecticut, and attended local schools. After graduation, he moved to Colorado where he began working in the building trade. He later moved to the Greater Boston area where he perfected his craft, eventually moving permanently to Maine where he was the owner of J.S. Traunig Builders.
While visiting his father in Cornish, Jay fell in love with the area, purchased an antique home in Cornish Village, and spent many years lovingly restoring it. He was a champion of staying true to hand craftsmanship and the preservation of history. Jay loved hiking, skiing, kayaking, maintaining his love/hate relationship with golf, and exploring the back roads of New England on his motorcycle. He also loved getting together for family and holiday celebrations. Jay was a fine man who showed his love for others in his actions and deeds.
Jay was predeceased by his parents, and having no family in the area, he chose the family of his former wife as his own. He will be greatly missed and is survived by his best friend and former wife Karen Lentz (Traunig) Dennison and her husband Herbert Jr., of Cape Elizabeth; his sister, Joanne Chappelle, of Suisun, California; his brother, Gerald Traunig of East Windsor, Connecticut; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Philip and Glenda Lentz of Cape Elizabeth; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Leanne and Gary Spencer of Buxton; his brother-in-law and fiancée Scott Lentz and Sindy Rogers of Wheaton, Illinois; his godsons Andrew H. Reny and Alexander D. Reny of Saco; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
There will be a private celebration of Jay’s life for family at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com.
Those wishing to make contributions in Jay’s memory may do so to Cornish Historical Society, P.O. Box 404, Cornish, ME 04020.