Obituary of John Eugene Birmingham

John Eugene Birmingham, 60, of Bangor, passed away peacefully June 15, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.

Johnny was born May 20, 1963 in Bangor to Leona (Duffy) Brewer and Richard Birmingham. He was well cared for by his 7 sisters and 1 brother, and also by his “mini mum” sister who arrived after him. He grew up in the Coe Park community surrounded by many neighborhood children. He would tell stories of their antics with a big grin on his face as he reminisced. Growing up, John loved being outside playing sports and searching for treasures along the Kenduskeag Stream. He began helping his brother and father with their masonry business at a young age, following in their footsteps. He was excellent at his craft and enjoyed meeting clients and making them happy.

To say that Johnny was the life of the party would be an understatement. John could walk into a room and leave with new friends, he had a magnetic personality that drew others to him. If he was in the room, you knew there would be smiles and laughs. In his later life, he was an avid golfer. He loved exploring new golf courses and coaching his children and friends while golfing. He loved playing in softball and cribbage tournaments, and was a bit of a pool shark. John met his wife, Lee in 1994 and they married in 2000. They realized they grew up on the same stream a few miles apart their entire lives and later lived there together. John loved raising his three children with Lee, exploring new adventures and cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots together.

Eleven years ago, John was in dire need of a lung transplant. Jonah Kelley King of Salisbury, NC was his donor and gave John the chance to see his children graduate, meet his grandson, and enjoy life for eleven more years. We are eternally grateful for the King family and have had several opportunities to meet their entire family during their yearly helmet drive for Jonah. His selfless gift meant so much to us, and his amazing family became a part of ours.

John is survived by his wife, Lee; daughter, Brittany Birmingham and grandson Carson of Farmington; son Jonathan Birmingham and partner Danae Thompson of Eddington; and son Jacob Birmingham of Bangor. He is also survived by siblings Bonnie Jellison and husband Ted of Bangor; Rebecca Birmingham of Swampscott, MA; Mae Littlefield of Bangor; Ann Birmingham of Bangor; Debbie Kinney and husband Jeff of Bangor; Wanda Mitchell and husband David of Bangor; Jill Schulz and husband David of Riverview, FL; sister-in-law Joy McKenna and husband Bill from Augusta. He was also fortunate to meet a new half-sister found later in life, Deborah Casteel and husband David of Foresthill, CA. John is also survived by in- laws Sandra and Simeon Leach of Deer Isle and by numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends. John was predeceased by his mother, Leona; father, Richard; brother, Richard (Dickie); and sister Mary Lee Jordan.

We will be celebrating John’s life July 15 at the Randall Farm in Etna, ME from 1-5pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jonah Kelley King’s Helmet Drive by contacting his mother Jackie King at 125 E Corriher Ave, Salisbury NC 28145 or through her Venmo @jackie-king-67. Please consider being an organ donor and giving the gift of life.