Vernon "Sonny" Wentworth Jr.

Vernon M. “Sonny” Wentworth Jr., 89, passed away Friday, December 9, 2022, at Calais Community Hospital.  Sonny was born in Baileyville on August 23, 1933, son of Vernon and Marcella (Hatt) Wentworth.

Sonny graduated from Princeton High School, Class of 1951, and worked for two local dairy farms.  On March 26, 1955, he married love of his life, Eleanor McLellan.  Sonny entered the US Navy in 1955, where he served as a cook aboard the USS Cromwell (DE 1014).  Following his service, he returned home and enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard, serving 14 years.  Sonny started his career with Georgia Pacific, retiring in 1995.  While with Georgia Pacific, he served on the Carpenters & Jointers Union, Local 2400, as the shop steward for 2 years, Vice-President for 2 years, President for 6 years, and when he retired was serving as the Recording Secretary.  After his retirement, Sonny was able to devote time to his own business, Vern Wentworth’s Sand & Gravel.

Sonny loved his community and served it in many capacities.  He held many elected positions for the Town of Princeton, Road Commissioner, Selectman, School Board for 30 years, Appeals Board, and was the sexton for the Princeton Cemeteries.  Many of these boards he served as Chairman.  Sonny also served on the Board of Directors for 30 years with Eastern Maine Electric Co-op where he served as President, Board of Directors for Calais Community Hospital, Trustee Chairman at the Woodland Baptist Church, Chairman for the school union Local 107, and was a member of the Princeton Rod & Gun Club.  When spending town and co-op funds, he was accused of being “tighter than bark to a tree.”

In addition to his parents, Sonny was predeceased by a grandson Corey Wentworth; granddaughter Patricia Francis; and his two sisters, Frances Perkins and Letha Dorr.  Surviving are his beloved wife of 67 years, Eleanor Wentworth; three children, Debbie Wilson and husband Don of Huntington, IN, Darryl Wentworth and wife Lisa of Princeton, and Donna Worden and husband Jason of Princeton; nine grandchildren, Daniel Wilson and wife Elisabeth, Wesley Wilson and wife Felicia, Delores Maffett and husband Zachary, Cody Bulmer and wife Amanda, Donna Sabattus and husband Mihku, Cassandra McPhail, Kristen Russell and husband Mitch, Kelsey Worden, and Justin Worden; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.