John D. Muse, Sr

PORTLAND - John D. Muse, Sr., 87, of Portland, died Thursday, October 11, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Portland. John was born on May 25, 1925 in Wakefield, Massachusetts, a son of James and Ann McHale Muse. John was a graduate of Malden Catholic High School. He played on their Championship Football Team, earning the name "The Rock of Gibraltar" Following high school he served stateside with the Navy during World War II. Following the war, John graduated form Boston College, where he also played football. In September 1949, he married the former Catherine M. Kelly. They began to raise a family. John accepted a position with U.S. Gypsum. He worked for the company for over 20 years. In the early 1970's John began a business, Down East Gypsum.; he operated the company until his retirement. John remained a strong athlete throughout his life. He was a longtime skier and member of The Downeast Ski Club. He also played adult hockey in the "Cardiac League" until his mid 60's. He also coached pee-wee and high school hockey. John was a people person who loved to share his Irish wit as a story teller. He enjoyed spending time with his many friends at "The Club". John was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church. He made several trips to Ireland and loved Irish music. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Catherine in 1983 and a son State Rep. Kevin Muse in 2004. Survivors include, two daughters, Catherine Muse-Kenney and her husband Michael of Scarborough, Jeanne Muse Trent and her husband Jeff of Portland; two sons, John Muse, Jr. of Portland, Former State Rep. Christopher Muse of South Portland; a sister Joanie Muse of Wakefield, MA; a brother, Robert Muse and his wife Mary of Brookline, MA; a daughter-in-law Former State Rep. Roberta Muse; 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and his dog "Bella". Visiting hours will be held Friday October 19th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited Saturday 10:15 at the funeral home followed by an 11:00a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress Street, Portland. There will be a private family burial at a later date. Those desiring may make donations to: Maine Cancer Research Foundation, 974 Baxter Blvd., Portland, ME 04103. Online condolences may be expressed below.