Westbrook: John K “Jake” or “Pa” Caldwell passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on November 12,2022. Jake was born on November 21,1936 to John and Wilma(Jones) Caldwell in Brunswick Me. He graduated from Brunswick High School in 1954. Jake went to work for the Maine Central Railroad in 1956 as a signal maintainer where he remained until he retired in December of 1986.
In 1957 he married the love of his life Judith D Bakke from Portland Maine where they remained and raised three beautiful children. Jake was very active in freemasonry and served as Worshipful master of Deering Lodge #183 in 1990 he was High Priest of Mt. Siani Chapter #71 in 1980, he was District Deputy Grandmaster of the 17th Masonic District from 1994-1995, he was elected to receive the degrees of the of Rosicruciana in 1996, he was an active member of Maine Conclave #1 Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, Past Most Wise Master of Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix -Valley of Portland 2001-2003. He was coronated a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33rd degree in 2004 in Milwaukee WI. Jake was also a member of Portland St Alban Commandery, a member of Westbrook Council, a member of Eagle Chapter, and he received his 50-year medal in masonry in 2015. Jake was a Past Patron of Deering Chapter #59. He enjoyed brook fishing up north with his family, he also enjoyed working with wood, he spent many hours creating pieces that he shared with his loved ones. He enjoyed traveling with his family, as well as his extended masonic family visiting many places near and far.
Jake was predeceased by his parents, a sister Muriel Bernier, two brothers Lawrence and Gerald Caldwell. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Judith Caldwell, his children Debora Caldwell, Kenneth Caldwell and his wife Terri, Kathleen Latini and her husband Phillip. His grandchildren Sarah Dymond, John - Michael Tabone, Amanda Berg, Mackenzie Caldwell, Samantha Warren and her husband Steven, Victoria Horton, Sarah Beesley and her husband Garrett, William Brann, Mark Latini and his wife Brandi, Jakob Latini. He also left behind 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.
We would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Springbrook Center for the loving care that they gave Jake while he was with them.
Visiting hours will be held at Jones, Rich and Barnes 199 Woodford St., Portland on November 17, 2022 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm with light refreshments to follow. Masonic and funeral services will also be at Jones, Rich and Barnes on November 18, 2022 at 1:00pm to be followed by committal prayers and burial at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland.
In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to Springbrook Center or Shriners Hospital for Children.
Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for further information and to leave a tribute in Jake’s memory.
