Julius “Jules” Fertig

OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Jules Fertig lived a life filled with love, faith, and service. Known for his humor, storytelling, curiosity, and calm demeanor, Julius “Jules” Walter Fertig, 76, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 25, 2024, after seven years with frontotemporal dementia and progressive supranuclear palsy.

He was born on March 26, 1948, in New York City, N.Y. to John William Fertig and Dorothy Huebner Fertig. After losing his mother at the age of 7, he was raised by his father in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., where grew up playing neighborhood sports and spent summers on their family’s farm in Pennsylvania or with his father in South America.

Jules attended Hamilton College and met the love of his life, Barbara Watts during the Summer of 1968 when they worked at Newagen Inn on Southport Island. They married in 1971 and recently returned to Newagen to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Jules completed his master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania and worked as an architect while starting his family in Morrisville and Cazenovia, N.Y., before moving to Yarmouth in 1986 with their three sons.

After moving to Maine, Jules worked for 17 years at L.L.Bean where he was known for his exceptional customer service, and later worked as a property manager at Avesta, helping southern Maine residents find housing. His volunteer work included international trips as a board member for Central Africa Vision, supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in Rwanda, Burundi, and Congo, and local community involvement volunteering at Cumberland County Jail, and participating in Street Ministry. A dedicated Christian, Jules was active in the different churches they attended over the years, including most recently at Eastpoint. He loved to study the bible, sing, and listen to Christian songs.

Jules loved traveling with his wife Barbara and their three sons, with regular trips to Monhegan Island, Acadia, and a memorable cross-country RV journey. The couple also vacationed in Belize, Mexico, Hawaii and Europe. Jules and Barbara retired in Old Orchard Beach, where he became a familiar figure on his daily walks through their Ocean Park neighborhood and on the beach.

Outdoor activities including running, biking, kayaking, and skiing meant Jules was always physically fit, while his creative pursuits including watercolor painting and photography allowed him to explore the world around him and share that beauty with others. He never lost his architect’s eye for design, renovating every house his family called home.

Jules is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons Perry Fertig, Jonah Fertig-Burd, and Alden Fertig; grandchildren Ceiba, Kana, Jules, Rendle, and Alice; and his older brother, John Fertig. He will be remembered for his loving and compassionate heart, his dedication to serving others, and his ability to find joy in life’s simple pleasures.

A memorial service will be held Nov. 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Point in South Portland. More information about Jules and the Memorial Service can be found here: https://everloved.com/life-of/julius-fertig/

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Prosperity ME or Ocean Park Association.