Irving Arnold Priest Jr.

SANGERVILLE - Irving Arnold Priest, Jr., 94, of Sangerville, Maine, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, in a Orono healthcare facility, after living a full and meaningful life. He was born November 25, 1931, in Avon, Connecticut, to the late Irving A. Priest Sr. and Bernice (Mitchell) Priest.

Irving graduated from Sangerville High School, Class of 1950 and a few years later, proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. During his service, he was stationed in West Germany as a medic with the 61st Tank Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division.

Following his honorable discharge, Irving returned to Sangerville to work on his father's business, Priest Poultry Farm. In 1967, he began a long and dedicated career at Moosehead Manufacturing in Dover-Foxcroft, where he led the upholstery group for more than 29 years until his retirement in 1996. Alongside his full-time work, Irving also operated his own business, Irving's Custom Upholstery where he spent many years reupholstering and repairing furniture for members of the community.

On November 10, 1957, Irving married Roselyn M. Winchester, daughter of the late Henry and Elizabeth (O'Reilly) Winchester of Hartland, Maine, at the Sangerville Universalist/Unitarian Church. Their marriage of more than 68 years was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and devotion.

Irving was a proud and committed member of the Masonic fraternity, serving more than 65 years with the Abner Wade Lodge #207 A.F. & A.M., of Sangerville. He and Roselyn were also long-time members, and former officers of the Almeda Chapter #149, Order of the Eastern Star, of Guilford; forming lifelong friendships through their service.

A dedicated farmer and gardener, Irving experienced great joy in the outdoors and cherished time spent with family and friends. In their later years, he and Roselyn enjoyed winters in Florida and summers in Maine. In his final years they made their home at Dirigo Pines in Orono, always surrounded by the people they loved.

Irving was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His quiet strength, steady work ethic, and deep love for his family will be remembered always. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Roselyn Priest; three sons, David Priest and his wife, Chong-Suk, of Dumfries, Virginia, Jeffrey Priest and his wife, Tina, of Bradley, Maine, and Mark Priest and his wife, Laurie, of Venice, Florida; six grandchildren, Kim (Priest) Kelley and her husband, Garrett, Sarah (Priest) Carnicelli and her husband, Paul, Megan (Priest) Daggett and her husband, John, Jason Priest and his wife, Molly, Dylan Borja and his fianceé, Lindsey Blair and Tyler Priest and six great-grandchildren, Jack, Andy, and Reggie Daggett, and Josie and George Priest and Bennett Borja. He is also survived by a very special and caring niece, Tammy Smith and her husband, Henry, and by his nephew, Leigh Wiley and his wife, Edie.

In addition to his parents, Irving was predeceased by his sister, Gertrude (Priest) Wiley and her husband, Clair, and his two sisters, both of which passed had away at an early age, Barbara and Arlene Priest.

A graveside service will be held at Village Cemetery, Sangerville, in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abner Wade Lodge #207, P.O. Box 27 Sangerville, ME 04479, in honor of Irving's lifelong dedication to the Masonic fraternity. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.