Stephen F. Gilpatrick

On January 1, 2025, Stephen F. Gilpatrick (Uncle Steve) of Sanford, Maine, went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born in Limerick, Maine, on May 31, 1940, to Forrest and Ada (Picken) Gilpatrick. He grew up in Limerick and graduated from Limerick High School in 1959. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After he returned from the army, he worked many jobs including plowing roads for the state of New Hampshire and working for the fire department before finding a more permeant position at the Sanford Water District. He worked for the water district as a pump operator for over forty years. No matter what he did for work he always worked hard as unto the Lord. Stephen found joy in serving the Lord alongside his church family at First Baptist Church of North Berwick, Maine. He had a heart for children and was lovingly referred to as Uncle Steve. He could commonly be found in the church’s nursery holding babies and playing with the children. He also loved teaching Sunday School and teaching a children’s bible study as part of the church’s On Target ministry. He could always be found standing at the back of the church greeting everyone as they came in. Stephen also enjoyed building doll chairs and cribs and child sized chairs in his garage. If he knew of anyone who was having a baby, he would make sure they were given one of his creations even if he did not know the person directly. He also gave chairs out at North Berwick’s Mill Field Festival which often became a highlight for many of the children who came. He loved to be with his family and friends. He hosted a pool party every year complete with a water fight, in which he frequently participated in, or a prank being pulled on someone. The food contributed always had to include red hot dogs, cheese curls, and Moxie, his favorites. He also hosted many Thanksgiving Dinners and a yearly Christmas Party including many family members and family friends. Stephen is survived by his wife of fifty-five years Janice Gilpatrick, his daughters Rebecca Gilpatrick of Sanford and Karen Luther and her husband Frank of North Berwick, his granddaughter Adaline Luther, his sisters Eleanor O’Meare, Phyllis Gilpatrick, and Mary Craig, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Dorothy. Please join us for a memorial service at First Baptist Church of North Berwick, Maine, on Saturday January 11, 2025, at 11:00 with refreshments after. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Gymnasuim fund at Seacoast Christian School on 26 Paul Street, South Berwick, Maine, 03908.