WESTBROOK—John E. Sterling "Jack" passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020. He was a devoted husband to Bernadette (64 years of marriage) who passed away exactly one month ago. He and Bernie just couldn't bear to be separated. He was born in South Portland on June 6, 1933 as the only child of Ernest F. and Mary (Dyer) Sterling. When he was 9 years old, his family moved to Westbrook where he graduated from High School. After graduation, he joined the US Navy and served on the U.S.S. Parle during the Korean War. When his enlistment was up, Jack worked for S.D. Warren for 37 years and retired as a Quality Supervisor. In 1955 he and Bernie married and adopted two children. Jack was active in community politics for the City of Westbrook, where he served on the School Board, the Planning Board, and was a Commissioner with the Housing Authority. Because of his community and work experiences, Jack was a part of "The Legends" – a strong bond of male friends at the Westbrook Eagles. These men were great sources of strength and wisdom for each other as they faced the successes and trials of daily living. Besides politics and his Eagle adventures, Jack enjoyed golfing in his younger days, maintaining a lovely home, and watching his favorite sports teams. Jack was an amazing provider for his family and was always trying to improve the lifestyle of his family with wonderful times at camp and with lots of pool memories. He earns a gold star for being one of the most devoted husbands to Bernadette while she was in a memory care unit these last four years. Jack is survived by his children, Daniel J. Sterling of Florida, and Anne E. Edwards and husband A.J. of Alaska; his three granddaughters and their families; Sarah Habeger and her husband Nathaniel with Micah, Lylah, Selah, Norah (and soon to be Judah); Hannah McGoey and her husband Kaleb with Arria and Ella; and Leah Fisher and her husband Jacob with children Eden and Benjamin, all of Alaska. An informal graveside service will be held for both Jack and Bernie on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 2pm at St. Hyacinth's Cemetery in Westbrook. Arrangements are in the care of the Westbrook Chapel of Dolby Blais & Segee, 35 Church St., Westbrook, ME 04092.