BETHEL – It is with shattered hearts that the family of Jason Samuel Curtis York announces that Jason departed from this world on January 10, 2024.

Jason was born in Norway, Maine on April 28, 1981, to his delighted parents, Jewel Clark and Rolly York, his 8-year-old big brother, Michael Pelletier, and his beloved “Grammie”, Miriam York.

Jason’s childhood was filled with an abundance of “love and family”, not only in his household but through his huge extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends who adored the little boy who loved to laugh. Being the youngest of over 20 older cousins at that time, Jason became the continual happy recipient of many of their outgrown toys which provided him with hours of play, often with his first (and lifelong) friend, Nick Katlin. It was Jason’s Dad, however, who was his best childhood playmate..and his brother, Michael, was his idol. Years of camping trips, holiday gatherings, visiting relatives, fishing trips, time at Lake Christopher and Abbot’s Anchorage, time in Florida and South Carolina, and of course music events, created countless happy times and memories for Jason and his family.

Jason attended Bethel schools, graduating from Telstar High School with the Class of 2000. During his high school years, he began working as a painter, continuing that occupation throughout most of his life, many of those years working with Clean Cut Painting Company, owned by his brother, Michael, and partner and friend, Tom James. Fondly called “Spray J” by his coworkers, Jason was proud to work with the Clean Cut Crew and often entertained them with his dancing, rapping, imitations, and general antics.

With Aerosmith, ACDC, and Kid Rock at the top of his favorites, Jason was a forever lover of many types of music. He possessed an extensive knowledge of various artists, their songs, and accomplishments and was a talented wordsmith in his own rite, penning stacks of lyrics.

He also had tremendous memory regarding his lifelong interest in movies, television, actors, and related trivia and could spontaneously recall lines, details, scenes, and general information from countless productions of all types…old, current, futuristic, nonfiction, fiction, everything. His attentiveness toward television was sparked when he was just a toddler observing his Grammie watching a couple of daily soap operas, and anyone who truly knew Jason was aware that he remained a huge GH and DOOL fan throughout his life and would be thrilled that Nina and Sonny are now finally in turmoil! Also, when he was probably 3ish, it was not uncommon at all for anyone to see Jason suddenly drop to the floor in the “IGA”, to slowly transform into The Incredible Hulk..a skill he learned from his weekly studying of Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. His memory was also sharp regarding history in general, inspiring an appreciation for all types of historic dramatizations, biographies, and especially Westerns, fictional or non, and regardless of whatever type of program or movie it may have been, Jason always held a soft spot for various “outlaws”, ranging from the likes of Jesse James to a gigantic rogue shark, and eventually even a bleached blond vampire.

Although his life was not free of controversy, Jason had a kind and caring heart and a sensitive, loving soul. He loved and was loved deeply and we will miss him forever.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, two uncles, two aunts, and one cousin. He leaves behind his parents, Jewel Clark and Rolly York, his brother, Michael Pelletier and his wife Cara, his nieces Savannah, Malia, and Kyla Pelletier, his nephews Ryan Philbrick, Tristan, and Beau Pelletier, a plethora of aunts, uncles, and cousins, the beloved family cat named Mouse, his girlfriend Lynze Cooper, and countless friends.

A gathering to honor Jason’s memory will be held on Sunday afternoon, February 4th, from 1:00 to 5:00, at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River. A ceremony will take place in the beginning followed by social time throughout the rest of the afternoon. Light fare will be provided and all are welcome. For any possible future updates, check Clean Cut Painting Company’s Facebook page.