Gerald L. Morton, Sr.

GORHAM - Gerald L.Morton Sr., 87, of Samantha Drive, died Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Maine Medical Center, following a brief illness. He was born in Old Town on November 22, 1927, a son of Lawrence S. and Lillian (Stormann) Morton. He graduated from Portland High School, class of 1945 . He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served three years as an Aviation Electricians Mate. He married Elaine Whitten on November 23, 1952. As a young man, Gerald worked for the Jason Company in Portland. In July 1978, he started the New England Dry Ice Company, retiring in 2000. . Gerald loved hunting, fishing, and exploring the Maine woods. He was an avid seaplane pilot and in later years enjoyed visiting the Limington Airport and Naples Seaplane Base to visit friends. He was a member of the Casco Masonic Lodge #36 and a charter member of the NRA Golden Eagles. He is predeceased by his loving wife Elaine who died February 17, 2013. He is survived by a daughter, Pamela Taylor and her husband Steve of Porter; three sons, Brian Morton and his wife Marcy of New Boston, New Hampshire, Thomas Morton and his wife Fran of Bradenton, Florida, and Gerald L. Morton Jr. and his wife Gayle of Bradenton, Florida; a sister, Carol Raney of Portland; three brothers, Richard Morton and his wife Linda of Rangley, John Raney of South Portland, and Ralph Raney of Durham, New Hampshire; eight grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren; his dear friend, Karen Ford and her husband John and son Tommy; and his much loved cat, Snookie. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Janet Quilty and Mark Taylor for the loving care and friendship they provided Gerald. Visiting hours will be held 10:00 11:00 am, Tuesday, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, at the chapel. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Feral Felines, PO Box 8137, Portland, ME 04104.