SURRY – Norman L. Perkins was born Nov. 6, 1937, in Castine. He died at home Dec. 12, 2016, in Surry.

He is survived by his wife, Marie (Ames) Perkins; sons Donnie Perkins and wife, Etta, Timothy Perkins Sr., of Blue Hill, daughter Lisa Ruby and husband, Richard, of North Carolina; 10 grandchildren: Mandy, Joshua, Jessica, Anne, Shane, Danielle, Sara, Joelle, Timothy Jr., and Benjamin, and their spouses; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Norman is also survived by his sister in-laws Bonnie Gray and Marilyn Moore; brother in-law George and his wife, Barbara Ames; dear friends Maurice and Addie Cunningham.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Blanch (Perkins) Gray, brother Haywood Gray, son Lawris (Lonnie) Perkins and grandson Aaron Fones.

Norman was raised in Penobscot and graduated from GSA in 1956. He worked many different jobs; from logging, carpentry, and painting. He retired from International Paper in Bucksport.

Norman was a Mason with the Ira Berry Lodge No. 0128 and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 79, a lifetime member of both for over 50 years.

Norman was known as Bumpa and Bumper by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their friends.

He was a man of many talents, known as MacGyver by all. He was a fine carpenter and a master gardener and had the biggest heart one can imagine. Norman will be missed by all who knew him.

Many thanks to Laurie and Angie and all his friends at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital and Hancock County Nurses and Hospice Care.

As the saying goes: We only part to meet again.

At Norman’s request, there will be no services.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Norman L. Perkins appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

PROSPECT HARBOR – Patricia Diana Speranzo of Prospect Harbor, formerly of Pittsfield, Mass., died peacefully at home on Dec. 15, 2016, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Born in Pittsfield, Mass., on Sept. 12, 1947, she was the daughter of Robert and Cecilia Willis. Pat was raised in Pittsfield, attended local schools, Berkshire Community College, Albany Medical Center and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts.

Pat served as a nurse in the Emergency Room at the former Hillcrest Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center; and several area nursing homes for many years before retiring to her beloved coast of Maine. In her retirement, Pat was the embodiment of environmental stewardship by volunteering countless hours at Acadia National Park. She loved being close to nature, hiking, biking, gardening and keeping a watchful eye on the harbor outside of her home in her final years.

Patricia leaves her devoted husband of 50 years, Nicholas; her loving children Karen Golann and her husband, Evan; Lori Speranzo; and Christopher Speranzo and his wife, Jenelle; granddaughter Nicole Speranzo; and her brother Robert Willis. In addition, Patricia leaves many dear friends that she made during her lifetime living in Massachusetts and Maine.

A memorial service will be planned for the spring. Donations can be made to Friends of Acadia, P.O. Box 45, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Arrangements under the care of Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, ME 04605.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Patricia Diana Speranzo appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

SEDGWICK/BLUE HILL – Kurt J. Lietz, 66, of Sedgwick and Blue Hill, died at home of colon cancer on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016. He is survived by his sister Karen White, his brothers, Eric Lietz and Terry Lietz, his brother-in-law Keith White, his niece Kelsi White, his nephew Kris White, married to Jen White, and his longtime significant other, Isabel Karl, as well as many relatives and friends.

Kurt was born in Mount Clemens, Mich., on March 26, 1950, the second child of Wilma Mary Lietz (nee Breiling) and Gerhard Otto Lietz. He grew up just outside the Detroit city limits in Harper Woods and St. Clair Shores. He fondly remembered frequent visits to his maternal grandparents’ home where he and his siblings would roam afar in the fields and enjoy the fruits of their large, wonderful garden. From his mom he learned to cook and bake delicious meals such as she always made, and from his dad he learned to fish and skate. The family often went camping at Ipperwash on Lake Huron.

In high school, Kurt was introduced to sailing and downhill skiing, two lifelong passions. He attended Michigan Technological University for two years, where he studied engineering and was on the downhill ski team. He then spent two seasons at Aspen skiing and working. For several summers he was on racing crews in the Canada’s Cup, notably, on Dynamite with a first-place finish in 1972.

In the early 1970s, he began working in the service department at Hood Sails in Marblehead, Mass., but continued to race every February: the SORC, Bermuda Race and others. He later worked at Doyle Sails in Marblehead, Mass. He moved to Maine 27 years ago, and worked at Center Harbor Sails in Brooklin, where he honed his traditional sail-making skills. He then founded his own company, Lietz Sails, based first in Sedgwick and then Brooklin.

Kurt had many interests, including but never limited to; biking, kayaking, lobstering, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking, listening to music, hiking, wind surfing, swimming, skating, snowshoeing, skiing, studying calculus, fixing his Saab, fixing anything and loving everything to do with nature and outdoor adventures. He often competed in his favorite activities and has medals and trophies to show for it. But his main focus was not to beat the other, but rather to achieve personal best. Thus he was known for his enthusiasm, sportsmanship and teamwork as well as for an ability to listen, and to enjoy a good joke.

Kurt was interested in everyone he met and made many dear friends in all the circles of his life. Locally, he supported WERU, Northeast Historic Film, Downeast Family YMCA and Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center, to name a few. A Celebration of Life will take place here in Maine in the spring (exact time still to be decided).

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Kurt J. Lietz appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

GOULDSBORO – Russell W. Colson, 56, of Gouldsboro, passed away Dec. 15 after a long battle with his health, with wife, Julie, by his side. He was blessed to be surrounded by his entire family the previous day. He was born in Bar Harbor to Clifford Colson and Christine Young of Corea.

He was an avid boat builder for 22-plus years, but was simply known most for his love and dedication to hunting and fishing. He put his whole heart and soul into the sport. He was able to pass down his knowledge, passion and pride to all the young ones who admired him. He also believed in working hard for what you want and earning what you have. He was a man to respect and loved his family fiercely.

Russell is survived by his wife, Julie, son Josh and fiancée, Jenna, of Hancock, twin brother Kenneth and wife, Terri, of Gouldsboro, stepdaughter Kayla and husband, Larry, also of Gouldsboro, nephew Adam of Corea, and special grandchildren Jayden, Jenna, Carter, Cali, Cohen and Kenzie.

He was predeceased by his parents.

A gathering with immediate family will be done at a later date.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Russell W. Colson appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

LONGBOAT KEY, FLA./CASTINE – Col. Alfred William Bagot, U.S. Army, Retired, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, at home in Castine surrounded by his family. He was 95 years old.

Al was born on Feb. 15, 1921, in St. Louis, Mo., to Alfred Jason and Anne Sheen Bagot and graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis and the University of Dayton, where he was in the ROTC program. He had hoped to become a surgeon someday and often laughed as he explained that the Army had different plans for him. He went on to have a distinguished career in human intelligence and counterintelligence assignments and served as the first military intelligence advisor to Saudi Arabia. He commanded all four MI Groups: the 902nd, 149th, 500th and the Field Activities Command.

He was assigned to the Pacific theater during World War II and since he had an aptitude for languages he made a transition from the 4.2 Mortar Battalion, 24th Infantry Division during the war to the 441st Counter Intelligence Corps Training School in Tokyo. He served with the 1st CIC in Fukuoka and Kyoto following the war. He was fluent in Japanese as well as German.

In 1948, Al returned back to the U.S. and continued work in the field of military intelligence at Fort Holabird in Maryland. By 1950, he was promoted to a military occupational specialist. At this time he married his wife, Helen Nickerson. He worked his way up the ranks including a stint in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1962 working in the office of deputy chief of staff for intelligence. He and Helen had a lively household of four children during these years. He eventually returned to the Pentagon and to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence (ACSI) where he was promoted to the rank of colonel.

Al’s career took another turn as he went to Vietnam in 1967 as the commanding officer of the 149th MI Group. He did one and a half tours in Vietnam. Later the ACSI assigned him to a task force to organize the U.S. Field Activities Command. He remained with this unit until 1970 when he became commander, 500th MI Group in Hawaii. By 1972 Al returned to the Office of the ACSI as chief, Operations Division followed in 1973 as executive officer to the ACSI. In June 1974, he retired from the Army and moved to Castine to live in Helen’s family home. In recognition of his significant achievements, in 1988 Al was inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame. He remained modest about his career but another pinnacle moment was the honor of participating in the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 2006 at Arlington.

A “second career” in Castine at Maine Maritime Academy started for Al in 1974, where he started as executive assistant to the superintendent and personnel officer and had the rank of lieutenant commander. He was promoted three times concluding his time as acting superintendent by order of the Trustees. He was an admiral within the MMA ranks and officially retired in 1987. He was an anchor of the Faculty Club during its years of many social events. He was active in the Navy League as well. He returned often to MMA in subsequent years, popping into offices to visit those he had come to know and enjoy. He did this all over town too. He always had a wise-crack or a compliment or both and made his light-hearted presence a happy occasion everywhere he went.

The communities of his summer home and winter home would not be the same without Al and his incredible social skills, leadership finesse and genuine care for people in his community and afar. A man of devout faith his entire life, Al was very involved in the activities of his two churches, St. Mary Star of the Sea in Longboat Key and Our Lady of Holy Hope in Castine.

His other areas of volunteer work included heading up the elm tree conservation effort at its inception during the scourge of Dutch Elm disease. His aggressive interventions early on are credited as having saved Castine’s legendary elm canopy that still stands today. He was a dignified and dashing leader of Castine’s Memorial Day ceremonies in his highly decorated uniform. In winter time Al was busy with the Kiwanis Club of LBK in their fundraising and civic activities. He was an early and active member of the Castine Golf Club, and enjoyed the Castine Men’s Club as well.

Al will be remembered for his fierce love of family, a genuine kindness that radiated from him, and that indefatigable sharp wit that could catch people off guard most of the time. After the death of Helen, Al married close family friend and widow, Jane Switzer Nichols of Castine, and they enjoyed a decade of love and laughter together. Besides Jane and her children Lars Rost (Shelley) and Lisa Haugen (Patrick), Al is survived by his children William Bagot (Kathy) of Springfield, Va., and their children Brian, Emily, Allison and Christopher as well as his son Thomas Bagot (Julie) of Palm Harbor, Fla. Al also leaves grandchildren Jared Churchill (Lauren) and Laura Williams (Chris) and three great-grandchildren all of Richmond, Va., as well as a sister-in-law Karen Bagot of St. Louis and her family.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Helen, and two children, Michael and Anne, as well as his brother William.

A memorial Mass at Our Lady of Holy Hope in Castine followed by burial with military honors is planned for 11 a.m. June 17, 2017. In appreciation for all the tender care Al received in his final days, a donation to your local hospice organization would be a wonderful gesture.

Arrangements by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home in Bucksport.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Col. Alfred William Bagot, U.S. Army, Retired appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

SURRY – Rebecca Anne Farley, 65, of Surry passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family after a long illness.

She was born April 11, 1951, in Presque Isle to Earl T. Gross and Athena C. (Athas) Gross. She graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1969 and attended the University of Maine in Orono, where she studied English Literature. During her summers in college, she worked on Mount Desert Island for the National Park Service. Her first summer on the Island she met her future husband, Earle W. Farley. Earle and Rebecca were married in September of 1971 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Manset.

Their first home together as newlyweds was in Great Works. Earle worked for New England Telephone Co. and Rebecca continued her college studies. In 1973, they moved to Surry and welcomed a son, Paul. Rebecca began substitute teaching and eventually became a mainstay at Surry elementary as the school secretary, where for many years she was the smiling face that greeted students and parents alike. Many former students remember her as a caring supportive mentor who was invaluable to their school community.

Rebecca’s commitment did not stop at her involvement with the school. She was an active member of the Surry Garden Club, and several town committees, most notably the Surry Community Improvement Association for which she served as both director and president from 2006-2008. She was a Girl Scouts troop leader, foster parent, and sponsored many children in South America through the Christian Children’s Fund. She volunteered at the local senior center through Friends in Action, a senior care organization that was very dear to her. In addition to the time Rebecca spent helping her community, she was a loving wife and mother who was completely devoted to her family. She was an avid reader and gardener who always sought to make the world beautiful around her.

Rebecca is survived by Earle, her husband of 45 years; her son Paul of Gorham and his partner, Rachel Bell; grandson Asa Farley of Gorham; sisters Debbie Owen and her husband, Peter, Jackie Broaddus and her husband, Andrew; brothers Peter Gross and his wife, Sally, J. Nicholas Gross and his wife, Kristin, Anthony and his wife, Xiao; mother-in-law Merilyn Farley; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends that were all very special to her.

A service of remembrance will be held this spring at a date yet to be determined. Interment will be at East Surry Cemetery. Gifts in Rebecca’s memory can be made to Friends in Action located at 125 State St., P.O. Box 1446, Ellsworth, ME 04605.

Arrangements in care of Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Rebecca Anne Farley appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

BAR HARBOR – Gabriel Anders Kandutsch passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, Sunday, Dec. 4 at his home in Bar Harbor. He is survived by his mother, Lauri Braley-Kandutsch of Ellsworth, his father, Mark Kandutsch of Bar Harbor, brothers Nathaniel Braley of Nashua, N.H., and Nicholas Braley of Bar Harbor, grandparents Andrew and Nancy Kandutsch, Judith Nevells, Roy Lietz, Peter Nevells and many cousins.

Gabriel was a graduate of MDI High School and would, had he lived, have been beginning, in a couple of weeks, his studies at LaSalle College in Montreal. Gabriel touched the lives of hundreds of people during his all-too-brief time among us, and is remembered as a creative, caring young man with a quirky sense of humor and a big generous heart.

A scholarship in Gabe’s memory will be developed for a MDI High School graduate studying Design. Those interested in contributing may contact Mark Kandutsch through Cadillac Family Practice in Bar Harbor.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Gabriel Anders Kandutsch appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

Hancock County

Colonel Alfred William Bagot U.S. Army, Retired, 95, of Castine, Dec. 18 at his home. Memorial mass 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017, Our Lady of Holy Hope, Castine, followed by burial with military honors.

Bonnie Billings, 73, of Little Deer Isle, Dec. 6.

Catherine Boyd, 105, of Castine and Potsdam, N.Y., Dec. 10 at Orono.

Russell W. Colson, 56, of Gouldsboro, Dec. 15. Family gathering at a later date.

Rebecca Anne Farley, 65, of Surry, Dec. 11 at her home. Spring service of remembrance. Interment, East Surry Cemetery.

Gabriel Anders Kandutsch, 19, of Bar Harbor, Dec. 4 at his home. Service Dec. 10, Bar Harbor Congregational Church.

Kurt J. Lietz, 66, of Sedgwick and Blue Hill, Nov. 4 at his home. Spring celebration of life.

Ethel I. (Soper) Lindsey, 89, of Orrington, Dec. 12 at a Bangor hospital. Service Dec. 17, Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, Bucksport. Spring burial, Hillside Cemetery, East Bucksport.

Joel Keith Parker, 56, of Northeast Harbor, Dec. 17. Service of remembrance at later date.

Norman L. Perkins, 79, of Surry, Dec. 12 at his home.

Lori Anne Rand, of Southwest Harbor, Dec. 9 at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. Service Friday, May 5, 2017, Southwest Harbor.

Rodman Ellis Redman, 77, of Zephyrhills, Fla., and Bucksport, Dec. 10 at his Zephyrhills home.

Patricia Diana Speranzo, 69, of Prospect Harbor, formerly of Pittsfield, Mass., Dec. 15 at her home. Spring memorial service.

Dorothy Rose Spofford, 90, of Southwest Harbor, Dec. 9 at West Palm Beach, Fla. Spring celebration of life.

Marjorie J. Stewart, 93, of Etna, formerly of Blue Hill, Dec. 20 at a Brewer healthcare facility.

Washington County

Tabitha Lea Archer, 38, of Whiting, Dec. 17 at her home. Memorial service 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 22, Whiting Community Building.

Deanna French Chandler, 61, of Jonesport, Dec. 12. Spring graveside service, Greenwood Cemetery, Jonesport.

Linda L. Cropley, 68, of Lambert Lake, Dec. 2 at her home.

John Martin Dana, 62, of Pleasant Point, Dec. 16.

Dr. Christie Ann James D.O., 61, of East Madison, formerly of Princeton, Dec. 16 at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. Celebration of life 2 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 22, Old South Church, Farmington. Spring burial, Princeton.

Lewis H. Saul, 72, of Cooper, Dec. 15.

Allan R. Savage Sr., 71, of Wilsons Beach, Campobello, N.B., Dec. 19 at Machias. Service 4:30 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 22, St. Anne’s Church, Campobello.

Grant A. Seeley, 79, of Calais, Dec. 19.

Patricia Anne (Theriault) Skehan, 84, of Hampden, formerly of Machias, Dec. 15. Funeral mass Dec. 21, St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Hampden. Spring  Rite of Committal, Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Death Notices appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

HANCOCK – Albertina B. Kelley, age 84, passed away at her home on Dec. 17, 2016. She was born on June 14, 1932, in Hicksville, N.Y., daughter of the late Walter Wabnoski and Josephine (Zalewska) Wabnoski. She was raised in Long Island, N.Y., and moved to Hancock with her husband and two children in 1971. They opened and ran their own restaurant, Country Aire Drive In, and later ran The Yesteryear Antique Shop. She was member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellsworth.

Her surviving relatives include her son Kevin Kelley of Hancock; daughter Yvonne (Eve) Wilkinson and husband, Steve, of Gouldsboro; grandchildren Heather Temple, Tonya Wilkinson, Kirsten Raven, Aaron Kelley, Jennifer Kelley; great-grandchildren Sage, Delaney, Hadleigh, Jai and Ivey.

She was predeceased by her wonderful husband, Gordon Kelley, and special daughter-in-law Faye Kelley.

Her service will be scheduled in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: Hospice, CHCS, 42 Cedar St., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements entrusted to Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Memories may be shared at www.bragdonkelley.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Albertina B. Kelley appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

ST. FRANCIS/ELLSWORTH – Edric Joseph Morin, 82, passed away Dec. 24, 2016, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. He was born in St. Francis, July 13, 1934, the son of Mary (Dechaine) and Guyime Morin. He was doing what he loved, operating his John Deere.

He graduated from Fort Kent Community High School. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va. The first half of his life was spent working in auto mechanics and the logging industry, operating heavy equipment. He moved to Ellsworth 25 years ago and continued to find work at various odd jobs, not wanting to remain idle. His main employment was as caretaker for the Linnehan family.

He always enjoyed a good conversation as well as meeting people. He developed many friendships over the years. He appreciated his friendships with Hope, John and Heather Linnehan, Penny and Jim Lyons, Travis Therrien, and the many “original” Credit Now staff including Brian Poulin, and Danny and Karen Baron. He looked forward to his weekly breakfast on Saturdays with Jimmy at Sylvia’s.

He is survived by his wife, Aline (Jandreau); daughter Amy (Morin) Jordan and husband, Carroll, and beloved grandson Jacob, who he called his “main man,” all of Ellsworth; sisters Bertha Michaud and Laurine Jandreau; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Claudette Jandreau, Annette Harmon, Rita Gardner, Geneva Pelletier and Myrtle Jackson; brothers John, Valeric and Felix.

His family would like to thank those people who helped restore mail delivery to his home recently. Many thanks to MCMH ED staff, LifeFlight, County Ambulance and EMMC/ICU staff for all their wonderful care.

Respecting his wishes, he will be cremated. A graveside Mass will be held at Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edric’s memory may be made to SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Mary Dow Clinic, c/o MCMH, 50 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Edric Joseph Morin appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

AUBURN – Richard J. Harlow passed away on Dec. 21, 2016, with his family by his side at Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn. Dick was born Nov. 18, 1950, in Lewiston to Frederick and Rose (Langlois) Harlow. Growing up, Dick was enrolled at St. Patrick’s and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1968. While going to school, he was a singer with the St. Patrick’s Choir and performed at the Vatican for Pope John II and at the World’s Fair in Osaka, Japan. He received his BS degree from the University of Maine at Orono in 1972.

The first 12 years of Dick’s postgraduate career were spent at Keuffel and Esser in Kennebunk, and the Reece Corp. in Gorham. After spending a couple of years living in Old Orchard Beach, Dick bought his first home in Wells, and it was there that he lovingly cared for his dad during the final months of his battle with lung cancer.

In 1984, he began working for Apollo Computer in Exeter, N.H. By 1987, Apollo was the largest manufacturer of network workstations in the world. With his career seemingly settled, Dick bought his dream house in Wells, but in 1989, Hewlett Packard bought out Apollo. After several years of transitioning the Exeter office, Dick eventually moved to the Apollo/HP main campus in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, while commuting from Wells.

In 1998, when Hewlett Packard shut down the Chelmsford operation, Dick was transferred to HP’s Fort Collins, Colo., campus. Settling down in Windsor, Colo., he found his new surroundings to be very much to his liking. Gone were the days of skiing Maine’s hard pack blue ice; powder days became the weekend exercise. His work with HP as an inventory control team manager lead to traveling extensively throughout Texas, Great Britain and Southeast Asia to help handle transitions for the company. Calm, cool and always collected, he was the perfect choice for that daunting task. He continued with HP until his retirement in 2010.

In 1991, Dick met Marc Pomroy, who became his lifelong partner. Together they made a great team. The Colorado vanity license plates of SKICRZY and SKIKRZY spoke to their weekend winter pursuit. They always made it a point to return to Maine for as much of the summer as Dick’s schedule would allow. Sadly, Mark predeceased Dick in 2008.

Dick was also an avid sailor. He and a small group of friends would charter a sailboat for an annual week long journey from Rockland Harbor into Penobscot Bay and the outlying area and islands. In more recent years, there were trips to Key West and Caribbean sailing adventures in the British Virgin Islands, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Apparently, there are tales to be told; however, Dick used to say, “What happens in the Caribbean, stays in the Caribbean.”

Dick described retired life with the phrase: “Every day is like Saturday.” For the past 10 years, he split his time between skiing in the Colorado mountains and spending the summers at his home in Hancock, where he has hosted a family lobster bake on July 4 for the past 10 years. Despite his ongoing battle with brain cancer and the laborious treatments, he insisted that the party must go on this past summer and it was another smashing success.

Dick was undaunted by his stage four glioblastoma diagnosis in August 2015. While always hoping for the best possible outcome, he never once asked the question, “Why me?” He always felt an obligation to help find a cure for future generations and was fascinated by what could be learned from his treatments, both surgically and in clinical trials spearheaded by the doctors at Dana Farber in Boston.

He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Rose Harlow and his partner, Marc Pomroy. He is survived by his brother Stephen and wife, Valancy (Rutschman) Harlow, nephew Cameron Harlow; sister Linda and husband, Wayne Penley, nieces Laura Penley Bragdon, Ellen Penley-Theis, and Rachael (Penley) Juntura; six grand-nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Marcia and husband, Kenny Stratton; and lifelong friends Ken LeBlanc and Bob Purinton.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brigham & Women’s Hospital and in particular Dr. Ian Dunn; the staff of Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, Mass.; the staff of Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, Charleston, Mass.; the staff from Kindred-at-Home, based out of Auburn; the staff of Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Hanover, N.H.; the staff at Clover Manor, Auburn; and especially the caring staff at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s name to The Hospice House, 236 Stetson Road, Auburn, ME 04210.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Pinette, Dillingham and Lynch, 305 Alfred A. Plourde Pkwy., Lewiston, ME 04240. Memorial services honoring Richard’s life will be held Tuesday, Dec. 27. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed immediately by a memorial service at the funeral home. Burial will be held privately in the spring at Mount Hope Cemetery, Lewiston.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Richard J. Harlow appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

WATERVILLE – Linda F. Bednar, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Oak Grove Center in Waterville.

She was born in Erie, Pa., on Feb. 29, 1940, the only child of the late Glenn and Hildegarde (Johnson) Taylor.

Linda graduated from Academy High School in Erie, Class of 1958 and from Erie Business College.

On Sept. 30, 1961, she married Frank W. Bednar.

Linda was very talented with music being a very big part of her life. She was active in the orchestra and chorus during high school and was also a violinist with the Erie Junior Philharmonic. She also loved to sing and dance.

She prided herself on being a good homemaker and mother and was very proud of her five children.

She was predeceased by her significant other, Robert Hersey.

Linda is survived by her children, Michael Bednar and his wife, Debra Corey, of Bangor; Susan Paradis and her husband, Jeffrey, of Sidney; David Bednar and his wife, Dawn, of Ellsworth; Mary Paradis of Sidney; and Christopher Bednar and his significant other, Shannon Cote, of Verona Island; her grandchildren, Nate and Dan Paradis, Lindsey and Rachel Paradis, and Mabel Bednar. She is also survived by her husband of 27 years, Frank W. Bednar.

A time of visiting will be from 1 to 2 p.m. with a funeral service to begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, at Lawry Brothers-Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland with Rev. Bill Meyer officiating.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers-Wheeler, 26 Church St., Oakland.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Linda F. Bednar appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

EXETER, N.H./COREA – Joseph P. Day III, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at Riverwoods in Exeter, N.H. Joseph previously lived in Falmouth, Mass., and always spent summers in Corea, where he enjoyed the Maine coast from Cranberry Cottage. He was born in Manhattan, New York City, on Aug. 6, 1925, to Dr. Joseph P. Day Jr. and Frances Carey Day. Raised in Waltham, Mass., he graduated from Philips Exeter Academy and received his civil engineering degree from MIT. Later he attended Harvard Business School and earned an MBA.

His education was interrupted during the WWII when he enlisted in the Army, serving in the Signal Corps in China, Burma and the India Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. After the war there were several major construction companies that sought his expertise and he was employed by Macomber, Wexler, Aberthaw, Cabot, Cabot & Forbes and Gilbane. As senior project engineer, he was responsible for oversight of several buildings in Government Center, Boston, including 60 State St., 28 State St., and One Mellon Place (formerly One Boston Place).

Joe retired, but enjoyed an active life with varied interests. He participated in missions to Jamaica and with Habitat for Humanity, along with his wife, Evelyn, to share his talents and gifts. Joe attended Christ Church of Exeter, when not in Corea.

Predeceased by his wife, Evelyn, he leaves his children Andrew Day, Sarah Mann (deceased), Victoria Mann, and granddaughter Beth Dimond, and from his former marriage to Jane Gerrish Day, he leaves children Joseph Day IV, Theodore P. Day, Susan Day Chapin (deceased) and grandchildren Ben, Carey (Chapin) and Rob Day. He also leaves great-grandchildren Will, Katie, Connor, Isabelle and Parker.

Interment will be in the spring at Adelynrood, Byfield, Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to New Creation Healing Center, in Kingston, N.H.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Joseph P. Day III appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

Hancock County

Linda F. Bednar, 76, of Waterville, Dec. 23 at Oak Grove Center, Waterville. Visiting 1 to 2 p.m., followed by funeral service 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, Lawry Brothers-Wheeler Funeral Home, Oakland.

Lee A. Black, of Brooksville, Dec. 22 at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor.

Joyce (Iverson) Swanson Brown, 77, of Bar Harbor, Dec. 1 at a Bangor hospital. Celebration of life 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, her son Michael’s home, Trenton.

Philip A. Chipman Jr., 63, of Southwest Harbor, Dec. 21 at Bar Harbor.

James F. Closson, 79, of Ellsworth, Dec. 25 at Orono.

Joseph P. Day III, 91, of Exeter, N.H., and Corea, Dec. 9 at Riverwoods, Exeter, N.H. Spring interment, Adelynrood, Byfield, Mass.

Nellie L. Robertson Gray, 87, of Blue Hill, Dec. 20 at her home. Graveside service Dec. 27, Mountain View Cemetery, Blue Hill.

Richard J. Harlow, 66, of Auburn and Hancock, Dec. 21 at Androscoggin Hospice House, Auburn. Memorial service Dec. 27, Pinette, Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home, Lewiston. Private spring burial, Mount Hope Cemetery, Lewiston.

Cyril Johnson, 94, of Pretty Marsh, Dec. 25 at his home. Private memorial service at a later date.

Albertina B. Kelley, 84, of Hancock, Dec. 17 at her home. Spring service.

Elizabeth Lothamer, 85, of Deer Isle, Dec. 20 at South Paris.

Margaret Webb Lowell, 87, of Bucksport, Dec. 20. Service Dec. 27, Bangor Church of the Nazarene. Spring burial.

Edric Joseph Morin, 82, of Ellsworth, Dec. 24 at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. Spring graveside Mass, Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth.

Deborah Faye Smith, 54, of Ellsworth, Dec. 18 at Ellsworth. Memorial service June 17, 2017.

Linda Elaine Springer, 69, of Bucksport, Dec. 24 at her home. Service 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, Bucksport Bible Church.

Washington County

Frank Joseph Barillaro, 65, of Calais, Dec. 21 at Calais Regional Hospital.

Robert Linwood Call Sr., 63, of Harrington, Dec. 23 at his home. Celebration of life 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, John Williams VFW Post 11553, Harrington.

Deidre Marie Cline, 26, of Trescott, Dec. 23 at Bangor. Service 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 29, West Lubec Methodist Church.

Colby Curtis Cook, 89, of Pembroke, Dec. 23 at Down East Community Hospital, Machias. Spring graveside service, Clarkside Cemetery, Pembroke.

Gary H. Howland Sr., 78, of Alexander, Dec. 22.

Vivian (Harmon) Kilton, 87, of East Machias, Dec. 18. Spring graveside service.

Michael Martin Mahar, 43, of Kennebunk, formerly of Lubec, Dec. 25. Celebration of life 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, First Parish Unitarian Universalist, Kennebunk. Memorial service at a later date, Whiting.

Gilbert H. Sheridan Jr., of Jonesport, 84, Dec. 25 at Jonesport.

Rita A. (Mullaney) Willis, 91, of Calais, Sept. 12 at Bangor. Interment, Lindsay-Strathmore Public Cemetery, Lindsay, Calif.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Death Notices appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

GOULDSBORO – Kara Ann Duerr, age 39, died Monday, Dec. 26 at Holy Family Hospital, Haverhill, Mass.

Kara was born in Danvers, Mass., where she grew up and was educated, and graduated from Danvers High School. She was a resident of Gouldsboro for most of her life.

Kara was a self-employed skilled crafts woman. She was an amazing cook and loved gardening and canning. She also loved making sea glass designs. She loved coaching her boys in soccer and baseball and volunteering with the town sports. Kara was a great mom. She had a big heart and would help anyone.

She was predeceased by her sister Rebekah Duerr.

She is survived by her sons Dylan and Degan Barker of Gouldsboro; her mother, Jean Duerr and her husband, Stephen D’Orto of Windham, N.H.; her father, Richard Duerr of Gouldsboro; sisters Rachael Duerr of Plaistow, N.H., Gabriella, and Angelina D’Orto of Windham, N.H.; paternal grandparents, Robert and Catherine Duerr of Methuen, Mass.; maternal grandparents, Chester W. and his wife, Patricia Morrill, of Danvers, Mass.; nieces and nephew Kayla, Haley and Jaxxon; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Friday, Dec. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Carrier Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 38 Range Road, Windham, N.H. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Cemetery on the Plain, Windham, N.H.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made to the Gouldsboro Recreation Dept., P.O. Box 68, 59 Main St., Prospect Harbor, ME 04669.

For directions or to sign the online guestbook, please view the obituary at www.carrierfuneralhome.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Kara Ann Duerr appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

ELLSWORTH – James Freeman Closson, 79, passed away peacefully Christmas evening after ending his long battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He was born an April Fools’ baby in 1937, the son of Elizabeth (Starkey) and Harry Closson.

He was a graduate of Ellsworth High School. James was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was an accomplished welder retiring from Pratt & Whitney. An avid fisherman, “Jimmy” was most known for his never-ending sense of humor and natural ability to make people laugh.

He is survived by his brother, Charles Chattley Jr.; many nieces, nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in his journey by his parents; stepfather, Charles Chattley Sr.; adoring wife, Erma Closson; loving sister, Judith Lindsey.

Services will be private.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post James Freeman Closson appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

STEUBEN – Charles Marshall Burns, 94, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at Seaport Village Healthcare in Ellsworth following a brief illness.

A veteran of World War II, Charles was born in Ilion, N.Y., to Stephen and Wilhelmina (Winnie) Burns and raised in Waterbury, Conn. He left high school early to join the war effort and served in the 441st Joint Assault Signal Company (JASCO), setting up telephone communications during beach landings in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and the Philippines.

After the war, Charles returned to Waterbury and in 1946 married Ruth Eleanor Whitney in a ceremony at Bunker Hill Congregational Church where they were long-time members. In 1954, Charles and Ruth moved to Woodbury, Conn., and raised their three children there. Ruth passed away in 2001 and Charles soon resettled to Milbridge, and later, Steuben, near his two sons.

Charles spent his early working life at Scovill Manufacturing Company in Waterbury, Conn., learning tool and die making. He built a career in the manufacturing sector as a quality inspector, working for Wheeler Electronics, General Electric, International Nuclear Safeguards, United Technologies Co. and Combustion Engineering, among others. In the 1960s, he worked on the gyroscopes used in the auxiliary guidance systems for the Apollo missions, which proved critical for bringing the crew of the “failed” Apollo XIII mission safely back home.

His many hobbies included photography, model making, gardening, and gun collecting. In his later years, he enjoyed exploring his adopted state and produced several watercolors of the Maine coast.

Charles leaves three children, Robin Burns and his wife, Joan (Steuben); Randall Burns (Harrington); Bonnie Burns and her wife, Joyce Hamel (Silver Spring, Md.); his grandson Timothy Burns (Philadelphia, Pa.), and his nephews Stephen Cotant (Highland, N.Y.) and Douglas Cotant (Salt Lake City, Utah) and their families.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/donate in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Burns. Arrangements entrusted to Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home in Milbridge. Memories may be shared at www.bragdonkelley.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Charles Marshall Burns appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

HARRINGTON – Robert Linwood Call Sr., 63, died Dec. 23, 2016, at his home. He was born in Machias on April 3, 1953, one of 13 children of the late Norma May (Elliot) and George Winslow Call Sr. He was a hard worker, both clamming and lobster fishing, which he greatly enjoyed. He also loved to hunt and fish, and especially enjoyed his time spent with his grandchildren and family.

He is survived by his two sons, Robert L. Call Jr. and wife, Shawna, and Christopher T. Call and wife, Erica; his partner, Brenda L. Riethmuller, and her family; his brothers and sisters, Fred Call, Patsy Petzold, Ellis Call, Leonard Call, Vicki Call, George Call, Penny Beaucher, Ricky Call, Millie Wood, and Marie Vandegrift; grandchildren Shyra Call, Kasey Austin, Landon and Chris Jr.; and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by son Daniel Sampson; sister Caroline Lenfesty; and brother Ronnie Call.

A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at the John Williams VFW Post 11553 in Harrington. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Sarah’s House, 346 Main Road, Holden, ME 04429.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Robert Linwood Call Sr. appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

SURRY – Charlotte Tanner Timbers, age 101, passed away on Dec. 28, 2016, in Essex, Conn. Born on Feb. 11, 1915, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Harry Lawrence Tanner and Mary Louise Sears Tanner, she graduated from The Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn in 1932. Charlotte graduated from Wells College, in Aurora, N.Y., in 1936.

Upon completing coursework at the Katherine Gibbs School, Charlotte served for several years as assistant to Alfred P. Sloan Jr., president and CEO of the General Motors Corp., in their New York City office. She was married for 53 years to William H. Timbers, who died in 1994, who was a Federal Judge appointed by President Eisenhower to the U.S. District Court of Connecticut, and subsequently by President Nixon to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York.

For over 60 years, Charlotte lived in Darien, Conn., raising four children, and was active in the Noroton Presbyterian Church and with many parent-teacher organizations in the Darien school system. She and her husband raised and showed their Norwegian Elkhound dogs in events throughout New England and New York. In 2004, she moved to the Essex Meadows retirement home.

Since 1975, Charlotte also maintained a home in Surry on Union Bay, on the Maine coast, where she loved to garden and sail. In the early years, as novice sailors, she obtained a Certificate of Navigation from the U.S. Coast Guard, so she and her husband could determine a proper course, but more importantly, find their way home.

She was predeceased in death by her sister Elizabeth Tanner Arms. She is survived by her four children, John, Nancy, Dwight and William Jr. (Nick), 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Charlotte Tanner Timbers appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/ ELLSWORTH – Laverne J. (Swanson) Walton passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, in Ellsworth. She was born on Jan. 24, 1936, in Bar Harbor, daughter of the late August S. Swanson and the late Dorothy B. (Murphy) Swanson of Town Hill. Laverne graduated high school in Bar Harbor. She enjoyed waitressing in the summers. Also, she was cook for many years at the Mount Desert Elementary School and the Docksider Restaurant in Northeast Harbor. Laverne was a Lioness in Mount Desert.

She is survived by her daughter Janice Pinkham and her husband, Girard, of Ellsworth; brother Charles F. Swanson of Trenton; brother August “Gus” Swanson and his wife, Patricia, of Arizona; grandchildren Lisa Pinkham and her partner, Scott Swett, of Waltham and Cameron of Ellsworth.

Laverne was predeceased by both of her parents; sister Charlotte Gilespie of Westwood, Mass.; her late husband, Austin E. Young, of Somes Sound; Harland Walton of Seal Harbor in her second marriage; close friend Nick Tradiff.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hancock County SPCA in Trenton. Laverne’s memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Memories may be shared at www.bragdonkelley.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Laverne J. (Swanson) Walton appeared first on The Ellsworth American.