MANCHESTER - Roy A. Whitcomb Jr., 81, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at Maine Veterans' Home, Augusta, with his family by his side. He was born to Roy A. and Mary A. Whitcomb on Dec. 26, 1927, in Cleveland. He came to Maine 'as quickly as he could,' six years later. Roy graduated from Deering High School in 1946, Portland Junior College in 1948 and Boston University in 1950. He served in the Third Infantry Division on the Korean battlefront as correspondent for hometown newspapers and the Army's Stars and Stripes Far East edition. When Roy returned to civilian life, he resumed his career as a reporter in Virginia. He then started as a field correspondent, progressing to feature writer and editor for Gannett Publishing Co. for their Portland newspaper for 13 years. Roy won several writing awards for his skills. He then became the executive assistant to the governor of Maine under Ken Curtis, where he was instrumental during a period of reorganization in state government. He was also state director for the Model Cities Programs, was then appointed the Department of Health and Welfare director of information and education, and then served as assistant to the deputy commissioner of public programs and external affairs for the Maine Department of Human Services. Most recently, Roy served as the executive director of the Maine Association of Retirees for 14 years. Roy was active in the Democratic Party throughout his life. He enjoyed telling a good story, had a keen sense of humor and never turned down a good party. After reporting as a music critic in his early career, he continued to pursue his love of music throughout his life. Roy is survived by his wife of 11 years, Elaine Fuller Whitcomb, of Manchester. He also leaves a son, Christopher Whitcomb and his wife, Brenda, of Rock Hill, S.C.; his stepson, Dale Maxwell and his wife, Linda, of New Port Richey, Fla.; a stepson, Charles Fuller, of Boothbay; and two stepdaughters, Cynthia Spence, of Lewiston, and Lynn Irish, of Manchester. He leaves 13 grandchildren and stepgrandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Isabelle Mack; his second wife, Marion Maxwell, to whom he was married for more than 30 years; a stepdaughter, Darlene; a brother, Tom; and a sister, Carolyn. A celebration of his life will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 20 Union St., Hallowell, followed by a graveside committal service with full military honors at 2 p.m. at the old Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta. There will be a celebratory gathering at the Augusta Country Club in Manchester following the services. Friends and acquaintances are invited to join his family for that celebration. Donations may be made in Roy's memory to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, 3121 Hotel Road, P.O. Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211-1807, a cause that Roy supported with contributions for many years. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1 Church St., Augusta. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.khrfuneralhomes.com