Philip L. Alexander, Sr. Obituary (1928 - 2022)

1928-2022 CHELSEA-Philip Lincoln Alexander Sr., 94, of Chelsea, died Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 at his home with his family by his side. Philip was born a twin in a Dresden farmhouse on January 23rd, 1928 to Leonard E. F. and Nettie (Call) Alexander. With neither twin expected to live, their mother was advised by the doctor not to bother to name them; but God had other plans for these two boys. They were so small that she placed them together in a shoe box and put them near the wood stove to keep them warm. Philip and Alan both survived and were two of the four boys born to Leonard and Nettie. Philip graduated from Bridge Academy in June of 1947 and then went to work for J. F. Hodgkins as a machinist. He worked there for over six years before going to work for Central Maine Power Company in mid April 1954 as a lineman. During this same time he was also a member of the Maine National Guard at Gardiner. He joined the Guard early in 1948 and remained a member for nearly 15 years, moving up through the enlisted ranks. Early in 1957 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and was subsequently promoted to First Lieutenant; the grade he held until his resignation in 1962. On May 19, 1951 Philip and Doris Blodgett were married at Christ Church Episcopal in Gardiner. For a short time they resided in Pittston, which is where Doris was born and raised. In the late winter of 1956, they bought the Mason farm property on Route 9 in Chelsea. By April, construction of the new home had started. With the help of family and friends they were able to move in by February of 1957. In September of that same year, their first daughter, Marion, was born. Four years later a second daughter, Nettie-Mae, was born. Their last child, a son, Philip Jr. was born five years later in 1966. During the time that the children were growing up, Philip was active in town affairs, serving on both the school board and the budget committee. He took courses to become a certified electronics technician, getting his diploma in October of 1961. He remained an active member of the Maine Electronics Association until 1978. During this time he enjoyed repairing radios and televisions and even did some of the more extensive repair work for the Frank X. Pomerleau store. He continued his work at CMP, eventually transfering from the line department to the Computer Center as a computer operator. He retired from there on June 30, 1991, bringing his total years of service to 37. After his retirement he taught adult ed machine tool at VoTech for several semesters. The important things to Phil were God, family and the farm. Being a man of strong faith, he was an active member of the Randolph United Methodist Church for over 60 years! He taught Sunday school, served on many committees, and was lay leader for much of that time. There was an open door policy at Phil and Doris’s where everyone was always welcome. For many of their neices and nephews it was a second home. He took great pride in maintaining the property and for years mowed his acres of hayfield with the old farm tractor, a job he estimated took him about 40 hours to complete. He enjoyed growing his own vegetables and each summer maintained an impeccable, weed free garden. He once joked that after retirement he didn’t get any vacation or holidays off anymore. Phil always said, ‘I try to live my life the way God wants me to’, and right up until the day before he died, he told us to ‘just do the best you can’, all words that he lived by. Indeed, we are all better people for having known such a great man. We rejoice in knowing that he is now reunited in heaven with his parents, wife Doris, twin brother Alan, and brothers Leonard and Bruce. Phil is survived by his daughters Marion and Nettie-Mae, and son Philip Jr., all of Chelsea, his sisters in law Edith Alexander of Monmouth, Marjorie Alexander of Hallowell, Norma (Tootie) Blodgett of Pittston, Deidre Blodgett of Sebring, Florida and Marie Bronn of Chelsea, many special nieces, nephews and friends, as well as, two special boys and their parents in Bellingham, Washington. Phil’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Togus VA for their kindness and the exceptional care they gave to Philip.There are no words to express our full gratitude. Special thanks also to Beacon hospice for their care during Phil’s last days. Phil’s niece, Terry, provided family support during his last week, more than one morning arriving before daybreak, to help with Phil’s care. We cannot thank you enough, Terry. All of the love, prayers, and support from family, friends, and our church have been so much appreciated. At Philip’s request there will be no visitation or services. Burial will be at the family cemetery in Chelsea. Donations may be made to the Randolph United Methodist Church at 16 Asbury Street Randolph, Maine 04346. Arrangements are entrusted with Staple’s Funeral Home and Cremation Care 53 Brunswick Avenue Gardiner, Maine 04345. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com