Hiram Dexter, Jr., 92

FALMOUTH — Hiram Dexter, Jr., 92, died peacefully surrounded by family, on March 12. 

The son of Hiram and Ola (Cole) Dexter, he was born in Brookline, Mass., Sept. 27, 1917.

As a child he spent his summers in Maine in a house built by John Cole, his maternal grandfather. He eventually moved to Maine with his family.

He was never happier than when he was at sea, first on his lobster boats – all named the “Jenny D.” – and then on his cruising boats, all named the “Teazer.”

His love for the ocean led him to join the Maine Maritime Museum, the Titanic Historical Society, the Portland Marine Society, the National Marine Society. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Surviving are his beloved wife of 61 years, Beth (Ladner) Dexter; two daughters, Jenny, from a previous marriage, and Mary Beth DeLuca from his marriage to Beth; two grandsons, Chad and Derek DeLuca; and his son-in-law Michael DeLuca, all of Falmouth.

There will be a private graveside service and interment in the spring at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Maritime Museum Memorial Gifts, 243 Washington St., Bath, ME 04530 or to the Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.