John Pence passed peacefully on Friday, May 19, 2023. He died as he lived: on his own terms and thinking about someone other than himself. John was a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. He was also a teacher, a counselor, a human resources executive, and an employment consultant. One of his friends described him as the most ‘real’ person he had ever known.
John’s personal life, as well as his professional experiences, always focused on interacting and engaging with people. Not a fan of small talk or large gatherings, John was never happier than when he was sitting at a dining room table with very close friends. He loved sharing his thoughts or debating the issues of the day over a good glass of wine. And his laugh was infectious!
Professionally, John used his skills and his natural connections with people to create and maintain a vibrant career. He spent the last several years, prior to retirement, assisting employees in various companies who were facing downsizing. He worked with people at their most vulnerable and provided them not only with technical knowledge, but also with empathy and compassion.
John graduated from Scarborough High School in 1965 and his beloved St. Francis College in 1969. He could never quite become reconciled with the whole idea of UNE! He and Kathy married in 1980 and spent nearly 43 happy years together. Their lives were enriched by four wonderful Golden Retrievers, along with the comfort of five special cats.
John was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Marjorie; his parents-in-law, who loved him like a son; and several aunts and uncles, including his beloved Aunt Dot.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his sister, Mary Pence Greely of Old Orchard Beach; his niece, Ellen Braley and her husband, Bob, of Greenland, New Hampshire; his niece, Laura Greely of Biddeford; and many dear and special friends – you know who you are!
John was a good, kind man. He was a good son, a caring brother, a loving uncle, a wonderful husband, and the kind of friend anyone would wish for. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of John may be made to the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, PO Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749-0808, or online at https://www.ygrr.org/donate/. To leave a message of condolence, please visit John’s Book of Memories at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk.
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