Many Westporters were saddened to learn of the death of Alan Sterling — Westport’s hard-working native oysterman.
Bruce McFadden went to his photography collection.
“I spoke with him several times at the E.R. Strait Marina, where he kept his boat,” McFadden says.
“When Alan learned I was a former Staples chemistry teacher, he said some of the best years of his life were spent there. He spoke in glowing terms of the school.”
Bruce gave Alan a photo of his beloved “Gloria” — one of the last surviving commercial boats in Westport.
Alan built it himself. They sure don’t make ’em like that — like Alan, or “Gloria” — anymore.
(Photo/Bruce McFadden)
Meanwhile, here’s another photo, sent later today by JP Vellotti. It shows Gloria the day after Hurricane Sandy.
Soon enough, Alan had her shipshape, and back on the water.
(Photo/JP Vellotti)