OWLS HEAD — John J. Gustin, 79, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at his home Nov. 6, 2012.

Born in Rockland June 11, 1933, he was the son of Frank and Alfreda Scuito Gustin. Educated in Rockland schools, he was a 1951 graduate of Rockland High School.

Shortly after graduating, John enlisted in the military and served one tour of duty in Korea and two in Vietnam. He retired in July 1972 after 20 years of service with the U.S. Coast Guard.

On Aug. 11, 1973, he married Janice L. Anderson in Houlton. The couple made their home in Owls Head all their married lives. Mrs. Gustin died Feb. 16, 2011.

John worked 23 years in a second career as a supervisor of child support enforcement with the Maine Department of Human Services, retiring in 1994.

John was a past member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks No. 1008 and Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland.

In addition to his beloved wife Janice, John was predeceased by his brother, Anthony Gustin, Jan. 22, 2004. He is survived by his son, Mark A. Gustin of Owls Head; two sisters, Frances Volkir of LaVista, Neb., and Nellie Brackett and her husband, Gerald, of Rockland; three sisters-in-law, Ann Gustin of Owls Head, Ann Anderson of Houlton, Nancy Putnam and her husband, Philip, of Cary Plantation; a brother-in-law, B. Duane Anderson and his wife, Caroline, of Monticello; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, Nov. 9, from noon to 1 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a service will begin at 1 p.m., followed with military honors. Interment will be in Coughlin Memorial Cemetery in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to LifeFlight Foundation, P.O. Box 899, Camden, ME 04843.

To share a memory or story with John's family, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.