PORTLAND- Roger Berkley Percival, 92, formerly of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2019, surrounded by his cherished family.
Roger was born on September 25, 1926, in Pittsfield, Maine, the son of Wallace and Bessie (Williamson) Percival.
He graduated from Maine Central Institute (MCI) in 1944 at age 17 while on active duty with the U.S. Navy during World War II. On the day of his graduation, he arrived in Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides Islands, more than 8,600 miles from his school.
Following his service in WW II, he resumed his education, graduating from University of Maine at Orono in 1950 with a degree in business. He later served two years in the Army as a transportation corps officer in Korea during the Korean War. In 1963 he attended savings banking school at Brown University and began a long and successful career in the banking profession. Roger started as a bank inspector, but soon became the treasurer of Portland Savings Bank. Roger retired in 1991 as Executive Vice President of Peoples Heritage Financial Group and Peoples Heritage Bank, and Director of Oxford Bank & Trust in Oxford, Maine.
Roger’s community involvement included membership in the World Affairs Council of Maine, the Cape Elizabeth Lions Club, and the Portland Yacht Club. He is a former president of the 75 State Street Home in Portland, treasurer of St. Albans Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth, and Trustee of the Maine Financial Insurance Trust. However, he was most proud of his continuing association with MCI, serving two terms as Trustee that included appointments as Vice President of the Board and the Executive Committee of the school.
Roger’s greatest joys in life were spending time with his family, traveling the world with his wife, Lydia, sailing and racing his boat in Casco Bay, playing tennis and reading historical novels. He remained fit throughout his life, and even ran the Beach to Beacon 10K in his late 70’s. He was an exceptionally kind and humble man, always very supportive and generous to his three children, five grandchildren, and many friends. He was a member of the greatest generation, loved his country and lived his entire life with integrity and a clear sense of honor.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lydia (Morelli) Percival, his three children, Marina Percival of Belfast, ME, Suzanne Schneider and her husband, Buzz, of Marblehead, MA and William Percival and his wife, Allison of Naples, FL., as well as his treasured grandchildren, Taylor Auger, Brianna Bolden, Sloan Percival, Kelly Schneider, and Barrett Percival, his beloved younger sister, Ruth Parkhurst of Skowhegan, ME and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Dorothy (Trenholm) Percival who was the mother of his three children.
His family would like to express their most sincere thanks and gratitude to Beacon Hospice, as well as his many loving caregivers from Home Care Assistance who made his last days so pleasant and comfortable. A private celebration of his life will take place in the spring of 2019.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SailMaine, 58 Fore Street, Portland, Maine 04101 or visit www.sailmaine.org
or
Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70826 (they provide hospice care funding)
To view Roger’s memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com