Stanley Eugene Sanborn

Stanley Eugene Sanborn, 85, of Standish, Maine, passed away on August 10th, after a long period of declining health. Stan, as he was known by most, passed with his family by his side as he left his earthly bonds to join his beloved, Judy. Stan was born on October 13, 1936, in Portland, Maine, the son of Joseph John Sanborn and Mary Elizabeth (Guevin) Sanborn.

Stan graduated from Cheverus High School in 1955. During high school, Stanley played multiple sports, excelling in football and basketball. Stan was selected to play on the varsity basketball team as a freshman and later as the team Captain in 1955. His brother Joe, also a gifted player, was the Captain of the 1952 varsity basketball team. They both liked to joke to each other that the coach at the time, Bill Curran, favored one over the other!  Equally gifted in football, Stan was a force to be reckoned with on the field. In 1954 the Cheverus Football team won the Southwestern Maine Championship. Stan’s physical prowess, no doubt, helped him to complete the rigorous training he would endure at Parris Island Marine Corp Recruit Depot.     

Upon graduation, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps where he was proud to serve for his country for 4 years. Stan was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Ca, the Philippine Islands and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, NH. When his Service obligations were complete, Stan began a career that encompassed many fields. He worked at Mercy Hospital in the Plant & Engineering Department as a maintenance technician and, eventually, as a supervisor. He then started a position at Durastone Steps on Thompson's Point in Portland, where he was a masonry specialist. Stan was a skilled mason and you can still see his tradecraft on full display on many buildings and properties in the greater Portland area. His last position was with the Westbrook Department of Parks and Cemeteries where he took immense pride in the landscaping maintenance of the city properties as a groundskeeper.     

Stan’s wife, Judy, was a cheerleader for Deering High School, and often stood on opposing sidelines from Cheverus High School, where her future husband, Stan, played multiple sports. During one particular football game, Stanley remembers tackling a Deering player and they both bowled into the Deering cheerleaders, sending them sprawling, including Judy. It wasn’t until later after Judy had begun her career as a registered nurse, that they met on a blind date. They fell almost instantly in love and were married on October 3, 1959 and were married for over 60 years. 

Stan was a gifted storyteller and loved to share stories about his family growing up in Portland, his days at Cheverus playing football and basketball, his service to his country in the USMC, and most of all, about the love of his life, Judy. Stan was a fierce supporter of all branches of the armed forces.  He was a USMC Combat Engineer and a disabled veteran. Stan was there for everything that his kids and family did. He cherished his family and extended family. He loved family gatherings and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to take road trips to visit family and friends with Judy. Traveling together was their favorite pastime. Stan loved classic movies. In particular, Musicals and Westerns from the 50’s & 60’s. On any given day, you might visit Stan and, most likely, he would be watching the Turner Classic Movie Channel.         

Stanley was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Judith A. (Iott) Sanborn, his parents, Joseph J. and Mary E. Sanborn, his sister, Mary Lou Higgins, her husband, Blair R. Higgins, their son, Joshua J. Higgins, and son-in-law, Bruce V. Avery. He is survived by his children; Daughter, Eileen Avery, and her 3 children Patrick, Nicole & Samantha; Son, Michael Sanborn, his wife, Joann, and his 4 children, Sarah, Melissa, Kaitlin & Abbie; Son, David Sanborn, his wife, Renee, and their 3 children, Ethan, Rachel & Ellie; Son, Eric Sanborn, his wife, Holly, and their 3 children, Emily, Haley, and Erin; his brother, Joseph Sanborn, his wife, Patricia of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada; his sister, Eileen F. Sanborn of Portland; his brother-in-law, David M. Iott; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family has entrusted A.T. Hutchins with the arrangements. Visiting hours will be held from 12:00 - 1:30 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:30 pm on Sunday, August 28th, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland, Maine. Deacon Darrell Blackwell will officiate. A gathering to celebrate Stan will follow the service at Stan and Judy’s home in Standish.   

Stan’s internment with full Military Honors is scheduled for Monday, August 29th at 1:00 pm at Southern Maine Memorial Veterans’ Cemetery, 83 Stanley Rd, Springvale, Maine. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Stan to the Maine Veterans’ Homes Scarborough, 290 US-1 Scarborough, ME 04074, or made online at https://mainevets.charityproud.org/Donate/Index/846

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