FALMOUTH — John Griskivich, 97, died Jan. 21.
He was born in Portland on July 6, 1916, a son of Gregor and Agatha Zoulick Griskivich. He graduated from Portland High School in 1935 and spent most of his life in Falmouth.
As a youth, he was a caddy at the Portland Country Club where he met Governor Percival Baxter, who gave him advice about life and a ride home. During his high school days, Griskivich played the trumpet in the high school band and was also a member of Romano’s band.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, assigned to the 236th Army Air Forces, Base Unit, as an airplane armorer for B-24 aircraft and was also a carbine marksman. He supervised seven men and was in charge of seven planes. He was honored with the European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with six Battle Stars. His term of service began in June of 1942 and he was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant in October of 1945.
His lifelong career was in upholstery at Art Upholstery in Portland. He retired in 1978.
He married the love of his life, Wanda Nowakowski on May 1, 1948. Together, they raised two children, Stan and Jane. He enjoyed doing woodworking projects with his son. They built several small boats they used on Casco Bay in Stan’s youth. He also helped his son on carpentry projects throughout his life, such as building his first cabinet shop in Yarmouth and his home on Deer Isle.
Griskivich was a member of the American Legion Anderson-Mayberry Post in Yarmouth where he served as chaplain for many years.
He was predeceased by his wife Wanda on Dec. 26, 1992; daughter, Jane Peabody; brothers, Nicholas and Peter; sister Nadja; and granddaughter, Carrie Ladd.
He is survived by his son, Stan and wife, Toni, of Deer Isle; granddaughters, Hope Peabody and Hattie Griskivich; and nieces Joan Gerrish and Linda Matula.
Relatives and friends attended visitation Jan. 25, at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, Portland. A funeral service followed. Burial will be held in the spring at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth.
Donations in his name can be made to, The Island Nursing Home, 587 North Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627.
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