John J. Caine, Sr.

Brewer

John Junius Caine, Sr., 88, was summoned home by his heavenly father on Saturday November 30, 2019. John was born on June 13, 1931, in Richmond, VA., the son of John Matthew and Emma Elizabeth (Branch) Cain.

John graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond class of 1948. He served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955. While working for A. Sandler Company in Boston, John met Nell Mathis and they married on December 24, 1955 and were able to celebrate 63 memorable years together. The family moved to Sanford, Maine and then to Brewer which has been home for the last 51 years, raising 3 children.

John spent his career with varying levels of responsibilities in the shoe industry between A. Sandler Company, Sanford Shoe Company, Viner Brothers Shoes, Newport Shoe Company of Maine and Ansewn Shoe Company. John also served as a deputy for Penobscot County Sheriff‘s Department. John retired in 1992, giving him time to spend on his three passions, family, fishing and cars but not necessarily in that order. He was an avid member of the Central Maine Street Rods Club fulfilling his love of cars. John and Nell’s traveling excursions took them to Alaska, Aruba, Montserrat and various destinations in the US.

John is survived by his wife, Nell of Brewer; one sister, Doris Smith of Dorchester, MA.; three children, Johnetta Downes and husband Charles of Ellsworth, Kathy Griffith of Atlanta, GA., and John J. Caine, Jr. and wife Kelly of Perry Hall, MD.; six grandchildren, Colby Downes and wife Hannah, Marcus Downes, Jaida Downes, Janelle Griffith, Alexander Caine and Ashton Caine.

The family expresses their gratitude to John’s caregivers, Cheyenne, Kristine, Georgina and Mary for their loving care.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 5 to 7 pm Friday, December 6, 2019 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor where a funeral service will be held 3 pm Saturday December 7, 2019. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. following the service.