Warner Porter Lord

Warner Porter Lord, 91, of York, Maine, passed away peacefully at Avita of Newburyport on December 14, 2024. Born on November 25, 1933, in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Warner was the eldest child of Rossiter and Arline Lord of Essex, Connecticut.  Warner is survived by his wife, Carol; his two sons, Parker and his wife Christine, and Peter and his wife Linda; his brother Parker and his wife Diana; his granddaughter Hannah Lord; and Carol’s children, Stacy Mazzarella and her husband Carmine Mazzarella, Andrew Speer and his wife Rebecca Kennedy, Colin Speer and his partner Michelle Zambrana, and her grandchildren Skye Mazzarella and Nicholas Mazzarella, as well as a cousin, two nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Betsy Averill, and his first wife, Jodie Lord.

Warner graduated from Pratt High School in Essex, Connecticut, and Bates College in Lewiston, Maine (Class of 1955). He earned a master’s degree in teaching from Southern Connecticut State University and spent thirty years as an elementary school teacher and principal in the Madison, Connecticut, school system.

Warner shared his profound knowledge of history and natural history with every community he lived in. As Madison’s Town Historian, he made significant contributions to numerous local historical and civic organizations, including the Madison Historical Society, the Deacon John Grave Foundation, the Charlotte L. Evarts Memorial Archives (CLEMA), the Scranton Library, and the Madison Land Conservation Trust. A founding member of CLEMA, Warner was its archivist for ten years. He created programs and conducted genealogical research for the Grave Foundation, and hosted benefit dinners cooked in its historic fireplace. He authored and published three books on Madison’s history, leaving a lasting legacy.

Growing up in a house overlooking the Connecticut River, Warner developed a lifelong fascination with the region’s flora, fauna, and history. He kayaked the river from its origins in Canada and led hikes on Selden Island. Warner’s passion extended to volunteering as a trustee and active supporter of the Connecticut River Museum. Winters on Captiva Island expanded his interest in conservation as he volunteered at the island’s library and conservation district.

In 2009, Warner and Carol moved to York, Maine, to be closer to family. There, he served as a docent for the Old York Historical Society and pursued research on 18th-century York residents. He frequently visited Acadia National Park, enjoying its mountains and natural beauty.

An artist and craftsman, Warner explored diverse creative pursuits. He spun and wove intricate fabrics, carved birds and animals with extraordinary detail, hand-sewed mohair teddy bears, crafted pottery, and built furniture from both kits and his own designs. His creativity and talent were matched by his kindness, making him a cherished teacher and a beloved member of every community he touched.

In his final days, Warner was cared for with kindness (and some humor) by the dedicated teams at Avita of Newburyport and Compassus Hospice. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to these compassionate caregivers.

Per Warner’s wishes, his ashes will be interred at Joshuatown Cemetery in Lyme, Connecticut. Services will be private and held at the family’s convenience.

Donations in Warner’s honor may be made to: The Charlotte L. Evarts Memorial Archives, 8 Meetinghouse Lane, Madison, CT 06443, or Friends of Acadia: www.friendsofacadia.org

You may share remembrances of Warner at www.tlcfuneralhome.com.

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