ROCKLAND — Foner Paul Curtis, 70, died Monday, April 7, 2025, at Maine Medical Center, following several years of declining health.

Foner was born July 11, 1954, in Lewiston, Maine, to Alton and Dorothy Patten Curtis. His parents were public school teachers, and the family moved for their work all around New England. Foner graduated from North Country Union High School in Newport, Vermont, where he was active in theater. He attended the University of Maine in Orono, earning a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a master’s in biochemistry. During his years at UMaine, Foner continued to pursue his love of theater and was awarded the Maine Masque Red Apple Award, usually given to theater majors.

In 1981, Foner moved to Rockland to work at Marine Colloids, later FMC Bioproducts, BioWhittaker Molecular Applications (Cambrex) and, finally, Lonza, where he worked in research and development. After 38 years as a research chemist, he retired in 2017.

All the while, Foner pursued a side career in theater, primarily with Camden Civic Theatre. In 1983, he met Mary Lou Ambron of Camden in the cast of CCT’s “The Mikado.” They married in 1984 and enjoyed 40+ years of a very special relationship, she said. During his decades with CCT, the veteran character actor created many memorable roles. He said many times that his greatest was Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof”; others included Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” (many times), Pseudolus in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and Fagin in “Oliver!” He also directed, produced, built sets and ran lights and sound. A frequent member of the CCT board, including stints as president, Foner served as unofficial archivist, documenting each production in clipping and photo scrapbooks.

In addition to his work with CCT, Foner ran lights for many Camden Opera House events, including Atlantic Ballet’s annual “Nutcracker,” PopTech and the Camden Conference. He also was an active member in the Society for Creative Anachronism’s local chapter, the Shire of Hadchester.

Foner was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Curtis, of Rockland; siblings Warren of Lincolnville, Ellen of Owls Head, John of Riverview, Florida, and Mary of Owls Head; sister-in-law Jean Levensaler of Rockland; stepson Danny Ames of Rockland; two granddaughters, Haley Reidel of Rockford, Illinois, Ayla Neagle of Thomaston; many nephews, nieces and cousins; and good friends Carolyn and Steve Seidel of Camden.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, Maine 04481. To share a memory or condolence with Foner’s family on their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.