John Lovell Foley

South Portland – John Lovell Foley, 77, passed away on June 17, 2025, at Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough with his family by his side. John was born in January of 1948, in Rumford, the son of the late Glenroy and Beatrice (Nile) Foley.

Glenroy and Beatrice chose to raise John and his brother on a family estate in Rumford, where John picked up the basics of tending the orchard, raising farm animals, and began his life-long hobby of gardening. John watched his parents balance the hobby farm and his father’s career as Chief Engineer at the Oxford Paper Mill and chose to also live a life fulfilled by his career pursuits and his domestic ones.

He attended local schools before enrolling at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield for high school. He later studied Aviation Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and obtained his pilot’s license, an accomplishment he remained incredibly proud of throughout his life.

Upon returning to Maine, John found his true calling in mental healthcare. He became a Licensed Social Worker and dedicated more than 35 years to helping individuals navigate mental health and substance use challenges. He worked with Tri-County Mental Health in Lewiston and spent the last 15 years of his career at Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook. John was recognized statewide as an expert in Motivational Interviewing and Substance Use Disorder, and he left a lasting impact on countless lives.

In 1980, John met the love of his life, Jane Kimball, at a work meeting. The two married and built a beautiful life together centered on love, family, and shared adventure. John was a devoted husband and a deeply supportive father—not only to his daughters but to many others who looked to him for guidance. He was thoughtful, deliberate, and genuine; when John spoke, he meant what he said.

An avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and biking. He felt most at peace in nature—gardening, walking in the woods, or spending time “upta” camp on Little Sebago Lake. In his heart, he was always a farmer, taking great pride in the vegetables he grew.

He enjoyed watching racing and football—cheering on the Patriots and college teams alike. Over the course of many years, John proudly built a custom sports car, dubbed the “Fivwat,” using a combination of parts from a Fiat and a Volkswagen. He had a knack for seeing potential in overlooked or discarded items and found joy in creating something new from the forgotten.

John also loved to travel with his wife, Jane. He especially cherished their trip to Alaska and was drawn to untouched forests and quiet, natural beauty—always preferring the calm of the outdoors to the bustle of city life.

He often remarked during Sunday dinners how lucky he felt to be surrounded by his family and enjoying their company.

John was predeceased by his brother, Glen N. Foley; beloved mother and father-in-law, Warren F. and Mary I. Kimball; and many beloved pets throughout his life. John is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Jane Kimball Foley; their daughters, Kristina Jane Foley, and Dr. Katelyn Kimball Foley and her husband, Michael J. Williams; grandchildren, Adrienne and Vivienne Foley Green, Zoë and Alice Williams; special sister-in-law, Susan G. Kimball Barker; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Southern Maine, especially Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for providing John care and comfort.

A visiting hour will be held from 12pm – 1pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, a Funeral Service will begin at 1pm at the Funeral Home, a burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

The Funeral Service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/conroytullywalker; the livestream will begin at 12:45pm on June 25, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John’s memory to Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074, or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate., or the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098, or online at www.arlgp.org/memorial.