John Martin Samways died on March 28. He was 74.

In his passing as in life, his wife of 45 years, Kathleen, was beside him.

He was born on March 29, 1947 in Bangor, Me. He graduated in 1965 from John Bapst High School in Bangor after catching the touchdown pass that won the 1964 state championship football game. He later graduated from Brown University, where he majored in American history with a concentration in African studies.

He spent time travelling in Europe and made cherished lifelong friends. With his family, he spent summers in Edgartown and eventually retired there.

He was known for his sense of humor, sharp intellect and ability to recount long-ago events to a turn. He was a generous and devoted friend, father, husband and brother. He loved the Yankees, the blues and his newspapers. He had a truly outstanding mustache.

John will be greatly missed by his wife, Kathleen Fresher Samways; his daughter Margaret L. Samways, her husband Jason Page and granddaughters Nora and Winnie Page of London; his sister Margaret M. Samways of Bangor, Me.; and countless in laws, friends, neighbors and former customers. John was predeceased by his parents, John Redmond Samways and Helen Toole Samways.

A mass of Christian burial and internment will be celebrated in early summer. Arrangements are under the care of Kiley and Foley Funeral Services, in Bangor, Me. and messages and memories can be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.

Donations can be made in support of the Frontotemporal Disorders Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital at giving.massgeneral.org/donate, indicating that the gift is in memory of John Samways.