Frederick E. Lesswing

Frederick Edward Lesswing, 90, of Eliot, Maine, passed on April 14, 2022, at St. Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dover, New Hampshire.

He was born in Buffalo, New York, on January 9, 1932, to Theresa Stocker Lesswing and Frederick Edward Lesswing. He graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College, now a part of the University of New York. After graduation Fred enrolled in the U.S. Navy and was sent to Officer’s Candidate School, followed by four years on active duty during the Korean Conflict. He then spent 20 years in the USNR and was very proud of serving his country.

He held a career in Management with General Electric from 1957 until leaving the company in 1970 to buy the N.G. Marshall Hardware store in York, Maine. Fred met his wife Rosemarie in 1957 at General Electric in Schenectady, New York. Together they moved with GE through numerous positions and advancements in New York, Illinois, Connecticut and Massachusetts until two wonderful vacations in York Beach led them to decide to permanently make their home on the coast of Maine.

During Fred’s years of running what became Lesswing Hardware & Home Center on Long Sands Rd., in York, he was also involved in the York School District and played a large role in the construction of York High School in 1977. His passion however, became LESSWING’S basketball team when approached to sponsor it in 1975. He did, on the condition that they win their first season. LESSWING’S won that season and became the 1975 Class B Champions in the Seacoast area.

In 1982, Fred sold Lesswing Hardware & Home Center to his major distributor, Emery-Waterhouse in Portland, Maine and in 1983 the family moved to St. Augustine, Florida. He then accepted a job at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, in St. Augustine, as their Business Manager. In 1994 he suffered a major heart attack and retired later that year. In 1995 Fred and Rosemarie returned to Cape Neddick, Maine.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Jean (Robert) Walker of Philadelphia, PA, his son, Eric Anthony Lesswing and daughter-in-law, Ana (Frederick M.)Lesswing. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rosemarie Perrella Lesswing, his brother, Robert (Joanne) Lesswing, Zellwood, Florida, his daughter, Lynette Asselta of Damariscotta, Maine, his son, Frederick M. Lesswing of Eliot, Maine., and his daughter Laura (Tony) Hearn of Berwick, Maine. He also leaves two Granddaughters, Maya (Luke) Thatcher of St. Augustine, Florida and Holly Erica Hearn of Berwick, Maine, and one Great Granddaughter, Nora James Thatcher of St. Augustine, Florida.

Fred is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews in New York and Florida and many dear friends around the country and in England.

A private Graveside Service will be held for the immediate family.

Friends are invited to St. Christopher’s Church Hall, 4 Barrell Lane, York, Maine, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on

Saturday, May 7, 2022.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 195 Dover Point Road, Dover, NH 03820 

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