HOPE — Paul E. Lewis Jr., 77, was received into heaven April 29, 2014, at 4:26 a.m. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Linda, and his dogs, Mason Jay and Kaylee Ann.

Born in Melrose, Mass., he was the son of Paul Sr. and Barbara Richards Lewis. He was educated in New Hampshire, graduating from New Hampton High School in 1955.

Following high school, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed at Block Island. Paul was a fourth generation confectioner, as his great-grandfather founded Lewis Candy Company in Malden, Mass. In the 1980s he owned Lewis and Sons Landscaping in Florida. For more than 25 years he was employed with Maine Stone and Landscaping, retiring in 2008. He took great pride in his own home, making it look like the pages of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Moving to Maine in 1987, he met his soul-mate, Linda Amato. The two were married in 1989 and have made their home together most recently in Hope. Paul had a great love for golden retrievers, owning five special companions over the years. He will be greatly missed by his two fur babies, Mason Jay and Kaylee Ann. Paul and Linda enjoyed countless walks to the blueberry fields surrounding their home with their puppies.

Paul has been a devoted and life-long Boston sports fan; however the Patriots were number one in his heart. He enjoyed sharing stories of watching the then-Boston Patriots play at Fenway Park. He was proud to have crossed paths with Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, when they frequented the same gym. He also enjoyed serving and chatting with members of the Boston Bruins, including Bobby Orr, at his family's Oyster House in Massachusetts.

Paul found strength and inspiration in New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi, who defied the odds and returned to football after suffering a stroke. Just after Bruschi's stroke in February 2005, Paul placed a large sign outside his home on Route 105 saying "Get Well Tedy Bruschi," accompanied by a large “54” sign (Bruschi's football number). After Bruschi's return to football, Paul's sign evolved in a topical Patriots message, changing nearly monthly, including sayings like, “Path to the Draft,” “Brady is Back,” “Get Moss & Wes More Involved” and “B.B. Says Do Your Job.” Even though his signs have changed, the 54 sign remains proudly displayed to this day. Over the years Paul's signs have developed a following and his Hope neighbors have since dubbed his home "Bruschi Hill."

Paul's supportive nature was not limited to Boston sports teams, as his friends and family were no strangers to Paul's 'can do" demeanor and thoughtful gestures. He inspired those around him with his incredible work ethic and attention to detail, which he displayed in his beautiful home and surrounding landscape.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Linda of Hope; and their two golden retrievers, Mason Jay and Kaylee Ann; his sons, Paul Jeffrey Lewis of Delray Beach, Fla., and Brian Lewis of Damariscotta; his daughters, Candy Evans and her husband, Steve, of Delray Beach, Fla., and Kristen Lewis of Coconut Creek, Fla.; his sister, Beverly Shaughnessy and her husband, Dennis, of Boca Grande, Fla., and Rockport; his cousins, Nancy Colby and Ann Lankowski of Englewood, Fla.; a niece, Marsha Barnes and her husband, Jim, and their children, Jillian, Gabrielle and Caleb; and five grandchildren, Alexa Rae Evans, Melissa Ann Evans, Dylan M. Evans, Carlee Lewis and Brooke Lewis.

A Celebration of Paul's life will be held Saturday, May 24 at 3 p.m. at the Rockland Golf Club, 606 Old County Road in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.