BANGOR - Frederick Ralph Bridges Jr., 65, of Bangor, Maine, died peacefully at home Sunday, March 5, 2017. He was born March 19, 1951, to Clara Esther and Frederick R. Bridges Sr. in Bangor.

Fred attended Bangor High School, graduating in 1970, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1973 to 1979. He was part of the Naval Reserve from 1980 to 1985. He also was valedictorian and president of the Student Senate at Eastern Maine Technical College in 1986. Fred enjoyed working on old cars, collecting antiques and helping friends in need. He was a gifted storyteller and had a great sense of humor.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Emily Sigman and her husband Joshua, and Jennifer Phanthay and her husband Soubanh; his grandchildren, Noah, Rebekah and Charlotte; his siblings, Harrison "Gene" Bridges and his wife, Rita, Edith Webb and husband Darrell, and Hilda Robichaud and husband Jerry; and the mother of his children, Gladys Bridges; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, March 10, from 1 to 3 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 639 Grandview Ave., in Bangor. Memorial contributions may be made to operationhomefront.org, a charity for military families. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.