ROCKLAND – Jeremy D. ‘Jerry’ Maxwell, 87, died peacefully, Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at home.  

Born September 25, 1930, in Lynnfield Center, Massachusetts, he was the son of Morrill and Helena Eagles Maxwell.  Educated in Massachusetts, he began working at an early age, completing a paper route each morning before school. Jerry graduated with high honors, seventh in the class of 1948, from Wakefield High School.  Following graduation, he attended Tufts University for one year before enlisting in the US Marine Corp.  

Serving in Korea in the 1st Marine Division, 1st Amtrac Battalion (Dismounted, Provisional Infantry) during the Korean War, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1954.  

Upon his discharge, Jerry began work for Honeywell Computer Division in Brighton, Massachusetts.  There he met fellow co-worker, Ann Houlihan.  The pair were married and after a blissful summer vacation in Cape Porpoise, Maine, they fell in love with the coast of Maine.  In 1963 they purchased a beautifully wooded lot on Spruce Head Island.  Parking a camper there, they spent weekends and vacations clearing the land themselves, and putting up the shell of the home.  In 1966 the couple sold the house Jerry had built in Groton, MA and moved to Spruce Head permanently, finishing their home and fulfilling their dreams.  Jerry built boats, and was a successful lobster fisherman while Ann worked at the Keag Store. 

Jerry was a true craftsman. Not only had he built two houses, he also built two Friendship Sloops. One, the 38-foot Ann Frances (named after his wife) was featured in Down East Magazine and later in Maine Boats & Harbors magazine. 

In September of 1973, Jerry and Ann’s dreams were cut short when Ann was tragically diagnosed with ALS.  Her passing in 1978 left Jerry a widower, but also thankful for the opportunities to have left the ‘computer factory world’ for their dream-life instead of waiting for retirement.  

Later in life, Jerry continued to stay busy.  He took up painting and often got lessons over the phone from his sister, Phyllis, who was a highly skilled artist and art teacher. He has enjoyed wood working and puttering in his shop and has always been very handy.  In his retirement Jerry built and sold many skiffs not only locally, he also sold many to people from away. He was quiet and reserved, a steadfast individual.  He will be sadly missed by all who loved him. 

Predeceased by his wife Ann Maxwell; his siblings, Jean Maxwell, Phyllis Maxwell Sheehan, Morrill (Al) Maxwell and Hugh Maxwell; and a nephew, David Maxwell, he is survived by his step-son and close friend Todd Conant and his fiancé Pauline McWilliams of Rockport; a close cousin Nancy Gallagher of Peabody, MA; and his nieces and nephews Cynthia Alden, Guy Maxwell, Gwynell Marathas, Mark Sheehan, Dana Sheehan, Lorna Palmer, Rodger Sheehan, Laura Mrozinski, Cathy Armold, Kelly Maxwell and Leanne Maxwell.  

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2017 at Ocean view Cemetery in South Thomaston.  

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.  To share a memory or condolence with Jerry’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.