Sewall T. Maddocks Sr., 79, formerly of Boothbay, died peacefully on Feb. 2, 2018 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

He was born to Grace (McLaughlin) and Harmon Roscoe Maddocks on Nov. 4, 1938 in their Townsend Avenue home. Sewall will be remembered for his industrious nature and lively spirit, which characterized every aspect of his full life

As a youth, Sewall enjoyed his summers setting pins at Romar Bowling Lanes. Winter months brought frequent sled races down Bridge Street and across the footbridge. Sewall attended local schools and graduated with the class of 1956, the first graduating class of the newly constructed high school. One highlight was when his senior class was invited to be extras in the filming of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical “Carousel.”

In 1959, he married the love of his life, Janice Parmenter. Throughout the 1960s, Sewall worked at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts, as well as IBM in Endicott, New York, and Essex Junction, Vermont. Sewall was known for his pioneering metallurgical expertise and contributed greatly to IBM's exploratory space program. Sewall took great pride in his accomplishments during this part of his life.

As Sewall and Janice's family grew, so did a longing to return to the Boothbay region to lead a simpler life. Once back home, he made a living in a variety of ways. He owned and operated laundromats, a commercial equipment business, and an antiques shop called Out To See. Sewall loved the outdoors and was frequently seen raking and mowing the field behind his old farmhouse.

Sewall was a descendant of the region’s early settlers and he was proud of his heritage. He had a keen knowledge and appreciation of the region’s history and was willing to share it with anyone who would listen.

He was a member of Boothbay's planning board and was active in his church, the Community of Christ. In more recent years, he attended the Boothbay Region Community Fellowship.

In 2015, Sewall became a resident of Our Lady’s Haven in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where he brought his Maine humor and unique self to the residents and staff. During Sewall's final days, a steady stream of staff, from the cooks, to the janitors, to the entire medical team, came to visit their friend who they described as “a bright light" to all. 

Sewall was proud of his children and their families: Michele Leeman (Brian); Sewall Maddocks Jr. (Betty Jeanne); Cynthia Hiller; Sarah Stedt (David); Suzanne Rende (Nate); and Sandra Luke (George). His 18 grandchildren brought him great joy, and he gave them fond memories of exploring the "treasures" in his back field. 

In addition to his children, Sewall is survived by his loving twin brother, H. Ross Maddocks (Kathleen), and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Janice, his sister Audrey Robinson, and his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to: Attn: First Floor ~ Therapeutic Activities, Our Lady's Haven, 71 Center St.. Fairhaven, MA 02719.