Final Salute

STANDISH – Peter Joseph McFarland III, 66, of Standish, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2025.

Born in Portland on Aug. 31, 1958, Peter was the eldest of six children born to Peter and Margaret (Cardone) McFarland. He grew up in South Portland in the Meeting House Hill/Willard Beach neighborhood, where he spent his early years surrounded by family and community. A graduate of South Portland High School and Westbrook Vocational Technical School, Peter studied building construction and architecture, graduating in 1976.

Following high school, Peter enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he trained as a Construction Electrician and served as Petty Officer First Class in the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Navy Seabees. His career took him to more than 70 countries, earning over half a million flight miles. His expertise and dedication led to his selection for Special Duty with the U.S. Department of State, where he was assigned to Diplomatic Security and provided critical technical assistance to U.S. Embassies worldwide.

After leaving active duty in 1989, Peter continued his work in technical security as an overseas contractor before returning to the United States in 1995. Back home, he held various technical roles including fiber optic splicer, welder, and electrician, while also continuing his education in drafting and architecture. He retired in 2009 from the U.S. Postal Service, having completed over 25 years of combined service in civilian and military roles.

Peter was a lifelong learner, constantly expanding his knowledge and skills. He earned numerous certifications in HVAC, electrical systems, high-speed machinery, and even served as a Navy recruiter. Later in life, he pursued his creative passions, earning a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art with a focus on painting and K-12 art education.

Peter was known for his deep devotion to his family. His greatest joys in life were his two beloved children, Peter and Melissa and his beautiful grandchildren, Quinn, Beckett and Mabel, who called him “Grampy Gnomie”. Along with his grand puppy, Frank. The kids were everything to him and he was happiest spending time with them; attending their sports events and activities, sharing with them his affinity for all things outdoors, teaching them to swim, taking rides in the canoe, showing them all the wildlife around his house and sharing stories about his adventures around the world.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know him.

He was predeceased by his father, Peter Joseph Jr.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret; his daughter, Melissa Couture and her husband Don of Windham, his son, Peter J. McFarland IV of Yarmouth; and his beloved grandchildren, Quinn, Beckett and Mabel; his siblings Paul G. McFarland of South Portland, Mark E. McFarland and his wife Susan of Windham, Stephen M. McFarland, and his wife, Jayme, of Cape Elizabeth, Maureen Hondel and her husband Joseph of Waterboro and Susan E. Smyth and her husband Jamie of Windham; and many nieces, nephews; cousins; and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 10 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd., South Portland, with a burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

To express condolences please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to House in the Woods, an outdoor retreat program that assists veterans in their journey towards healing the mental and physical pain of loss, at http://www.houseinthewoods.org