John “Tom” Thomas Taylor. Megan Pung. Merton Wesley “Bud” Farley. Frank R. Greising. Ellen Marie Arseneau.
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“People We’ve Lost” is a feature of the Bar Harbor Story where we share obituaries of people that the island area has lost in the previous 1-2 weeks.
We’re doing this because we think everyone deserves to be remembered as widely as possible and not behind paywalls or at a cost of $500 for people mourning. We’re free.
If you have an obituary for a loved one or friend that you can’t afford to place in other spaces, please let us know, and we’ll share it here for you. We will also share obituaries that have been in other places, too. Just let us know.
By request we’ve started sharing obituaries from throughout Hancock County. This is a bit of a bigger lift for us, but we’ll try to keep doing it if it’s something that you all want. We all are so connected here.
John “Tom” Thomas Taylor
Hancock County
It is with great sorrow and deep love that we announce the passing of John “Tom” Thomas Taylor, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Tom passed at home in the loving care of his daughters and has since reunited with his Suzie.
Tom was born in Carbondale, Penn., on Sept. 2, 1947. He is one of four children born to Charles and Margaret Taylor. He grew up in a military family and spent most of his youth in Sasebo, Japan; Badkissinger, Germany; and Baltimore, Md. After graduating high school in 1967, Tom served two tours in Vietnam as an Encrypted Communications Specialist from January of 1969 to October of 1970.
After returning to the U.S., Tom met the love of his life, Susan Marie, and an extraordinary 53-year love affair ensued. After getting married in 1971, the pair moved to Maine, where they went on to raise three children: Snow, Gabriel, and Elizabeth.
Tom worked as an arborculturist for the first part of his adult life, before going on to become a registered Maine Guide and leading guide trips. He had a true passion for the outdoors and especially loved camping, hiking, and canoeing. In recent years, Tom developed a fondness for building 1/35 scale tank replicas, spending endless hours perfecting his intricate creations.
Most notably, Tom was a lifelong musician. Beginning at the age of 25, he was one of the original members of the band, The Gristmill Boys, alongside two of his closest friends, Sepp and Brian. Later on, with the addition of Elliott, Greg, and many other talented musicians, Tom spent more than 50 years making beautiful music with his friends. More than anything, Tom was a truly talented guitarist and would sing any chance he got, even going on to have a song, titled “When the Brass is Flying,” published in the Maine State Archives.
Tom is predeceased by his life partner, Susan Marie Taylor, and is survived by his oldest daughter, Snow Ross, her husband, Bill, and their daughter, Isabella; his son, Gabriel Taylor and wife, Nancy, as well as their children: Kirra, Landen, Kole, and Destiny; and his youngest daughter, Elizabeth Davis, and husband, John.
Tom, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Keep your stick on the ice!
In lieu of flowers, gifts will be given to the Trenton Elementary School’s Music department. Please send contributions in Tom’s memory to 92 Goose Cove Rd., Trenton, ME 04605.
Megan Pung
Ellsworth
Megan Pung, 36, passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved most after a courageous six-year battle with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
She leaves behind her devoted husband, Edgar Pung, and her three beloved children, Chace Golden, Jocelyne Crosman, and Lydia Pung. They were the center of Megan’s world and the reason she fought so hard for more birthdays, holidays, laughter, hugs, and ordinary days together.
Edgar was Megan’s husband, best friend, safe place, and constant companion. Their life was filled with love, loyalty, laughter, inside jokes, quiet moments, and watching disc golf together. Her children were her greatest joy. She loved them fiercely, celebrated who they were, made holidays magical, and created memories they will carry forever.
Megan also leaves behind her mother, Nancy Lemoine and husband Ricky; father, G. Russell Golden Jr.; mother-in-law, Bedina Austin; father-in-law, Ed Pung; brothers, Craig Golden and Mathew Osier; brother-in-law, Dakota Pung; sister-in-law, Hayley; nieces, Harmony, Kennedy, and Raygen; grandmother, Carol Phinney; grandfather, Grant Golden; aunts, Brielle Fraser, Nicole Golden Bouchard, and Laura Phinney; beloved dogs, Bogey and Kahan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and chosen family.
She was predeceased by her beloved grandmothers, Ruth Sprague and Marilyn Morrison; and grandfathers, Luman Phinney and Donald Osier.
Megan was a natural caregiver. She began her medical career as a phlebotomist with Quest Diagnostics at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, later earned her CMA, worked at Courtland Rehab as a CRMA, and found meaningful work at Bosslady Genetics, where she helped others feel comfortable during difficult moments.
Megan loved family meals, holidays, Riverside Café, watching disc golf with Edgar, bingo with her mother and grandmother Carol, collecting crystals, TikTok — “Nooo, Nope, No… ifykyk” — and music by Post Malone, Noah Kahan, and Zach Bryan. Halloween was her favorite holiday, while Christmas was all about creating magic for her children.
Throughout her cancer journey, Megan was deeply grateful to Dr. Barbara Mercado, Dr. Daniel Kairys, Dr. Dylan Jacobus, Aaron from imaging, her two Julies, Tracie, Kelly, and the entire Mary Dow Clinic staff for helping give her more precious time with her family.
Megan believed family was not always defined by blood. Mo Oliver, a fellow cancer survivor, prayed with Megan and held her hand as she took her last breath. Holli Woods was her longtime friend and medical advocate. BJ Dieter shaved her head in support and was always there when Megan needed her. Bonnie Lindsey — “that lady” — was her bonus mom, friend, and partner in plenty of shenanigans. Tia Woods was like a sister since before kindergarten, and Jennifer Allen was another sister with whom she shared a lifetime of memories.
Megan also held deep love for Jake Sinclair, Brian Pierre (Biggie), Niko Shaw, Abbie Shaw, Archie Rivers, Tyler Nichols, Matthew Beane, Jonah Masse, and the many others who became part of her tribe. She was grateful to Zach Mosher, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, Ellsworth Fire Department, and Northern Light Ambulance EMS for their care during frightening moments.
Megan never wanted cancer to define her. She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, friend, caregiver, fighter, spiritual soul, crystal collector, music lover, Halloween enthusiast, and devoted dog mom. She loved fiercely and stood stubbornly beside the people she loved.
After six years of fighting desperately to stay, Megan chose peace. Her fight is over. Her pain is gone. Her love remains.
For those lucky enough to be part of Megan’s tribe, she will always be family. For Edgar and her children, she will always be home.
A celebration of life will be held Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. at the Franklin Vets Club. Following a special tribute, there will be a potluck meal. Please bring a favorite dish and come share stories, memories, laughter and tears.
Come laugh. Come cry. Come tell a story. Come remember Megan. And, because Megan would have it no other way — fireworks will follow.
Merton Wesley “Bud” Farley
Mount Desert island
Merton Wesley “Bud” Farley, 88, passed away on September 7, 2026.
Bud was the oldest of seven children born to the late Merton and Bertha (Strang) Farley. He grew up in Brewer and learned early the importance of hard work and family. While still in high school, he worked at Herrick’s grocery and general store in South Brewer to help support his family. He graduated from Brewer High School in 1956 and went on to serve three years in the U.S. Army, including two years at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
After his military service, Bud made his home on Mount Desert Island, where he spent more than 40 years working at Don’s Shop ’N Save in Bar Harbor. As Meat Department Manager, he became a familiar face to generations of customers and coworkers. He took pride in his work and was known for being honest, dependable, hardworking, and kind. He had a wonderful and unmistakable laugh that those who knew him will remember.
Bud loved the outdoors, running, fly fishing, and hiking, especially the Appalachian Trail and Acadia National Park. He shared his love of running with his son, Chris, helping coach the Emerson Cross Country team while Chris was a member. Bud had a particular love for Acadia’s carriage roads and was happiest outside, as he never needed much to make a good day.
Bud is survived by his son, Christopher (Mary) Farley of Coronado, California; grandchildren, Mason, George, and Eleanor; and former wife, Karen Lee Farley. He is also survived by his siblings, David (Pat) Farley of Scarborough, Judith (Barry) Fraser of Orrington, Richard (Connie) Farley of Madisonville, Tennessee, Elizabeth (Jack) Clifford of Lewiston, Jon (Kim) Farley of Hamden, and Mark (Susan) Farley of Brewer; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bud lived a simple, hardworking life and was never one to want to be a burden to anyone. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, humor, hard work, distinctive laugh, and the many stories he left with those who knew him.
To honor Bud’s memory and the organization that was so helpful to him in his final years, donations may be sent to Island Connections, 93 Cottage Street, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. The family appreciates the love and support of Bud’s family and friends during this time.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Frank R. Greising
Lamoine
Frank R. Greising, 89, died at home September 25, 2026. He was born on March 27, 1937, in Ulsterville, NY, the son of Joseph H. and Emily Mary (LeMaire) Greising.
Frank graduated from high school in Pine Bush, NY and served his country for six years in the army. He married Dorothy Hicks, who predeceased him and later married Jane M. who also predeceased him.
Frank owned his own airplane which he flew for over forty years.
He is survived by his stepson, Gary Murphy; as well as twelve nieces and nephews including Dr. Joanne Greising, MD and Peter McCann. He was predeceased by his parents and wives.
A graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Lamoine at a later date.
Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the SPCA of Hancock County at https://www.spcahancockcounty.org/donate/ or the Lamoine Baptist Church 54 Mill Rd. Lamoine, ME 04605.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Ellen Marie Arseneau
Southwest Harbor and Eastport
Ellen Marie Arseneau, 77, died September 22, 2026, at Mt. Desert Island Hospital, Bar Harbor. She was born on February 23,1949, in Eastport, Maine the daughter of Everett E. and Hilda M. (Otto) Phinney.
She made her home in Eastport and work life there for many years. She enjoyed walking and getting together for tea with her friends and family. Ellen loved animals and was especially fond of cats and dogs. She found her entertainment in watching old movies and “shows”.
Ellen is survived by two daughters, Vicky L. McCulloch of Southwest Harbor and her children, Jayna Welch, Cassidy Murphy; Karol Reed of Bucksport and her daughter, Chelsea Moody. She was predeceased by her brother Eugene E. Phinney and grandson Malachi Moody.
Services will be private.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
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