Sterling Britton

Sterling L. Britton, 71, died from complications of Parkinson’s disease May 7, 2015 at his home. He was born July 19, 1943, in Houlton, the son of Leo Milford and Estenna Mae (Hanning) Britton. He loved his Irish heritage being a third generation Irish American.
Sterling attended school in the Houlton and Lincoln school systems. He graduated from Mattanawcook Academy, Class of 1961, and attended both Husson and Beal Colleges. He served his country with honor in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1965 through 1967. He was in-country in ’66 & ’67.
Sterling and Sandy, his wife and partner in crime, (A.K.A. the irresistible force and the immovable object) were together for 32 years. He was a respected member of Ironworkers Local 496 in Clinton, Maine for forty-five years. He was especially proud of his work; the highlights of his career were topping out the World Trade Center and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in NYC. After retiring from the Ironworkers, he was a taxi driver for Dick’s Taxi, #55, as well as a salesman for Rain Soft Water Softeners. Sterling made many lifelong friends during his endeavors.
He belonged to Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 185, and looked forward to his group meetings at the Vet Center on Monday mornings. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed Jeopardy immensely. Sterling loved travel, adventure, playing cards (being especially adept at Poker and Cribbage), and was a skilled pool player. He enjoyed watching all sports, particularly the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics. He loved attending games at Fenway Park.
Sterling’s friends and family contributed adjectives to describe him in brief, producing this list: Adventurous, Highly Intelligent, Prolific, Trickster, One-of-a kind, Charming, Captivating, Brilliantly Stubborn, Thrill-seeking, Mischievous, Patriotic, Musical, Great Dancer, Connoisseur of Bob Seger, Animal Lover, Schmoozer, and a man’s man, yet hopelessly romantic, and flirtatious. Lisa thanks him for her red hair, and Barb is proud to share his birthday.
In addition to his parents, Sterling was predeceased by his brother Spike Britton; his special Uncle and Aunt, John and Betty Lynch; grandparents Benjamin and Alice Britton, Harry and Hilda Hanning; his lifelong friend, Wayne Bailey; and fellow Ironworker Larry Costigan. Surviving in addition to his devoted and loving wife, Sandy (Cyr) Britton; are his sisters Kathy Vose Wilson and her husband Jesse of Lincoln; Wanda and Brenda Britton of Benton, Washington; his step father James Vose of Lincoln; step daughter Nicole Rowe of Hermon; sons John Britton and his wife Sherry of Lincoln, James Britton and his husband Daniel Watt of Orland, Philip Pelkey and his wife Kathy of Lincoln, Brent C.J. Britton and his wife Marissa of Tampa, Florida; daughters, Barbara Lindsey and her husband Steven of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Lisa Britton and her fiance Dean Brown of Bangor, and Suzanne McElvain and her husband David of Levant. Grandchildren include: The newest edition, Isis, as well as: Melissa and husband, Mike, Jamie, Jesse, Brandon and wife, Kelly, Justin, Nevin, Nolan, Bryce, Connor, Skylar, Linwood, Brianne, Griffin, Catherine and D.J.; and great grandchildren, Harper, Max, Skyler and Makiah.
Sterling was very fond of his cousins Nick and Evelyn Lynch and the Nadeau-O’Halloran clan. Many good times were spent in their company.
His furry family includes: Beaker, Bitty, Jinxy, Finnegan, Shelby, Natalie, Rory and Onyx. Faithful dog Bella Mae and Merlin. At the Rainbow Bridge his pets Tutty, Cleo, Trollie, Sam, Callie, Noah, Rascal, Billy Boy and Clyde are waiting for him.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-7 pm, Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St. Bangor, where a brief service will be held at 7 pm, with the Rev. Grace Bartlett officiating. He will be cremated according to his wishes. The family invites relatives and friends to his home at 541 Ridge Drive, Hermon, after the service for a celebration of his life. Those who wish to remember Sterling in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or the animal rescue of their choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.