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Lyla E. St. Louis, 87
FREEPORT – Lyla Ernestine St. Louis, 87, of Linwood Drive and formerly of Morse Street, died May 6 at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick.She graduated from Bar Harbor High School and furthered her education at the University of Maine at Orono. Her father served as a game warden on Mt. Desert Island during the years from WWII through the early 1950’s, and also was Maine’s first flying warden. His daughter later wrote a book, “Warden’s Way,” which told his story. She married Thomas Lewis St. Louis on Oct. 9, 1943. He passed away in 1979.She worked as a Para Professional at the Freeport Middle School and taught in that system for over 30 years.St. Louis served as a Girl Scout leader in Freeport and all her troops earned the Curved Bar which is the highest level of Girl Scouting. She also loved painting watercolors of nature and country settings. She was an avid Southwestern enthusiast and made several trips to the White Stallion Ranch in Tuscon, Ariz., where she loved riding horses in the desert. From her experience, she became known as a flamboyant dresser in Southwestern style with silver and turquoise. St. Louis was also a 50 year member of the First Parish Congregational Church in Freeport and was known as a role model in the church meals and church fairs.St. Louis is predeceased by brothers Leslie and Robert; and sister Harriett Grimaldi.She is survived by son William J. St. Louis III and his wife Linda R. of Rochester Hills, Mich.; daughter Jane A. Matthews and her husband Garry of Dunstable, Mass.; sister, Allison Salsbury and her husband Roland of Bar Harbor; four grandchildren; a great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.Visiting hours were held May 10 at the Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick. Family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. May 11 at the First Parish Congregational Church, Main Street, Freeport, where a funeral will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Freeport Fire and Rescue, 4 Main Street, Freeport, 04032 or Freeport Masonic Lodge AF & AM, Mallett Drive, Freeport, 04032.
Donald C. Freeman, 89
BRUNSWICK – Donald Chester Freeman was active in private clubs, church events and education. He was a Master Mason for more than 60 years and a Past Master of Solar Lodge #14, where he served as secretary, historian, and librarian for many years. He was a Past Patron of Genesta Chapter #73, Order of the Eastern Star; and Dad Advisor for Bath Rainbow Assembly #6. Freeman also a deacon of the Winter Street Church and a member of the Men’s Choir. He became a member of the Bath U.C.C. and a tenor soloist for the church choir. He also did organ maintenance for the church. He was a Literacy Volunteers founding member and teacher, a Boy Scout leader, and a chaperone for many Girl Scout events. Freemen and his family also hosted several international students including Edith Rath Panhofer, who became a member of the family. Freeman, 89, died April 16 with his family by his side. He was a resident of Sunnybrook Village Retirement Community in Brunswick.Freeman was born in Bath and graduated from Deering High School. He also did post-graduate work at Portland Arts and Technology School. He married Ruth Dean on June 27, 1943 in Springfield, Mass. They made their home and raised their family in Bath and at Sabino in West Bath. He worked for many years in the machine shop and drafting departments of Bath Iron Works, both at the yard and at Hardings. He retired as a Project Engineer. Freeman was known as a gentle man and a master carpenter who lovingly created cradles and many other heirlooms for both family and friends. His interest in local history led him to research and chart the various shipyards that have existed along the banks of the Kennebec River. He is survived by his son, Chester R. Freeman and his wife Virginia of Quincy, Mass.; daughters Margaret McNamee of Lyman, and Virginia R. Freeman of Bath; four granddaughters; and three grandsons. Visiting hours will be held at David E. Desmond Funeral Home, 638 High Street, Bath, on April 21 from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. A Masonic service will be held at Desmond’s at 7 p.m. The Rev. Bill Bliss will lead the memorial service at the Bath U.C.C., 150 Congress Ave., Bath, on April 22 at 2 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Sabino Association, the Bath Masonic Building Association Endowment Fund, or to the Chewonki Foundation.Arrangements by Desmond Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath.
Wayne M. Johnson, 64
WESTBROOK – Wayne M. Johnson allowed his disability to spur him on to greater achievements. Although he lost his right leg at the age of 18 to a rare and deadly form of cancer, it never kept him from pursuing his dreams. Johnson, 64, died Aug. 19 at Spring Brook Nursing Care & Rehabilitation Center in Westbrook after a courageous battle against cancer. He was born in Rockland, the son of Vaino Alexander and Eleanor Tibbetts Johnson, and attended Rockland High School, becoming state debate champion. After high school, he attended the University of Maine and was selected as their Alumnus of the Year in 2004. While at the University of Maine he won an internship to work in Washington, D.C. in the office of First District Congressman Stan Tupper. He also won a Rotary Club Fellowship which allowed him to study economics at the London School of Economics in London, England. Johnson received a JD degree from George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. Following graduation from law school, Johnson was selected by HUD Secretary George Romney to become the youngest director of a HUD/FHA field office in the country, in his home state of Maine. Shortly after assuming his new position he became the highest ranking federal official in Maine to testify before the United States Civil Rights Commission on behalf of civil rights for Native Americans. During his appointment as FHA director, he also wiped out discrimination in HUD programs, which had previously prevented Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribe members from working on HUD programs and construction. Following his stint in public service, Johnson became a private consultant, designing sophisticated programs for financing hospitals and senior citizen centers. He developed a major change in federal rates to make the design of nursing homes more customer-friendly and residential in nature. Johnson’s son Eric recalls his father saying, “If someone called me a mediocre athlete in high school, it would have been an act of charity.” But as he approached 60, Johnson promised his wife, Janet, that he would break a world record as an amputee athlete. Although his wife died of cancer in 2000, Johnson worked to fulfill the promise he made his wife. After diligent training at the Casco Bay YMCA in Freeport, in May 2001, he sprinted 100 meters at the National Sports Festival at Connecticut College, the largest event in the country. The impossible became possible when Johnson broke 11 world records, earned 17 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. In his quest, he designed and tested a state of the art carbon-fiber sprinting leg, which today is considered a major breakthrough for above the knee amputees. Johnson was a member of the First Parish Congregational Church in Yarmouth. He helped found the Yarmouth Hockey Boosters Club, coached hockey and Little League Baseball and was president of the Casco Bay Youth Hockey Association. He was also chairman of the Yarmouth Republican Town Committee and served on various other committees. He is survived by his daughter Liza, sons Sven and Eric, grandsons Taylor and Dylan and a brother Donald. A memorial service will be held at First Parish Congregational Church in Yarmouth on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Carra Bradt officiating. Burial will be in Achorn cemetery in Rockland on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the care of Lindquist Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to take part in developing a biography and photographic life story at www.mem.com. Personal written tributes are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johnson’s memory to Maine Cancer Research & Education Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Portland, Maine 04112-0553.
Linda Joyce Walton Felle, 58
NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS – Linda Joyce Walton Felle was a twenty-year resident of Sokokis Circle in Topsham. While living in Topsham, Linda advocated for the learning disabled throughout New England and southern Maine. Felle, 58, died Aug. 17 in New Braunfels, Texas following an eleven year battle with breast cancer. She was born on June 14, 1948 in Covington, Ky., the daughter of Addison Walton and Marybeth Meanor Walton. She grew up in Dallas and Houston, earning her degree in elementary education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970. Felle continued her education at the University of Georgia where she received her master’s degree in special education. For thirty-years, Felle taught children and adults with learning disabilities to read and spell. She was a co-founder and president of the Learning Disabilities Association of Maine and was a representative to the New England Orton Society. She was also a long-time member of the International Dyslexia Association. For the past 15 years, Felle worked as a consultant and trainer for the Wilson Language Training Company of Massachusetts. Her multi-year projects included working with educators and students in Albuquerque, N.M.; Long Island, N.Y.; Nashville, Tenn. and White Horse, Yukon. In 2004 at the International Dyslexia Association conference, she was given the Innovator Award as an Outstanding Multi-sensory Structured Language Education Teacher. She is survived by Robert Felle, her husband of 37 years; daughters, Megan Felle Kantrowitz and her husband Aaron of New Braunfels, Texas and Maeve Felle Herrod and her husband Thomas of San Antonio, Texas; and two grandchildren, James Felle and Camden Herrod. She is also survived by her mother of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Rosemary Chambers and her husband Richard of Red Oak, Texas and nieces Allison and Angela. A memorial service will be celebrated in New Braunfels, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, One Main Street, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086.
Robert Cornelius Dutton, 86
FALMOUTH – Robert Cornelius Dutton will be remembered by friends and family as a man of integrity. Exemplifying qualities of honesty, fairness, forgiveness, dedication and practicality, Dutton demonstrated a life well led to all who knew him. Dutton, 86, died Aug. 14 in Falmouth. He was born May 25, 1924 in Palmyra, the son of Roy and Olga (Millet) Dutton. After graduating from Edward Little High School, Mr. Dutton graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine at Orono. It was while Dutton carpooled from Auburn to Orono with Dorothy Currier that the two fell in love. They were married June 20, 1946 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Dutton interrupted his college education to join the U.S. Navy to contribute to the war effort during World War II. He earned his pilot’s wings and was in training to become a dive-bomber when the war ended. After completing his engineering degree he went to work at Fels Company in Portland. In 1957 he and two other Fels’ employees formed Mechanical Services, Inc. Dutton was a member of many community organizations, including Woodfords Club. He also enjoyed sports throughout his life including football (co-captain, all-conference center and member of the Maine State Champion team in 1941), basketball, baseball, boxing, ski jumping and water skiing. For many years, he and Dot enjoyed skiing with family and friends at Sugarloaf. Dutton was predeceased by his parents, a brother Richard Dutton and his daughter Pamela Dutton Raney. He is survived by his wife Dorothy (Currier) Dutton, a daughter Nancy E. Dutton, a brother Merle Dutton, a sister Marjorie Freeman Perkins and grandchildren: Christopher Robert Raney, Benjamin Dutton Drury and Jana Drury. A memorial service was held Aug. 18 at Woodford’s Congregational Church, 202 Woodford Street, Portland with Reverend Richard Weidler officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Robert C. Dutton Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792 Attn:Amos Orcutt, president and CEO. Arrangements are by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland.
Helen Sophia Tuttle, 100
PORTLAND – Helen Sophia Tuttle relished the visits she received from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tuttle, 100, of Portland passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital Aug. 13. She was born in Boston, Mass. in 1906, the daughter of August W. and Tekla Steen, and was extremely proud of her Scandinavian ancestry. Her Norwegian father and Swedish mother immigrated to America at the turn of the century. She was educated in Boston public schools and early in life worked in the real estate department of the Bank of Boston. She met and married Dr. Paul W. Tuttle in the mid-1930’s and the couple moved to South Portland in 1939, where her husband established one of the first dental practices in that city. She was business manager of his dental practice and worked part-time in the office greeting and lending care to her husband’s patients. Tuttle enjoyed her homes in Portland and West Bath. An avid reader, Tuttle also loved bird watching and working in her West Bath gardens. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at her home. She was predeceased by her husband. Survivors include her children, Irene T. Morine and husband J. Theodore of Harvard, Mass. and Brigadier General Richard W. Tuttle, United States Air Force, retired and wife Sandra of West Bath; one sister, Joan Condry of Wrentham, Mass.; grandchildren Benjamin Tuttle, Jonathan Tuttle, Pamela Hastings, Justin Morine and Adam Morine along with five great-grandchildren. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service is tentatively planned to take place in the West Bath Meeting House on Friday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. Arrangements made by the Hobbs Funeral Home 230 Cottage Road South Portland, Maine 04106.
Arnold F. Brinchmann, 91
PORTLAND – Arnold F. Brinchmann enjoyed spending time with his family. Brinchmann, 91, died Aug. 15 at the Barron Center in Portland. Brinchmann was born in Chatman, New Brunswick, the son of Juel and Olive “Eagles” Brinchmann. He graduated from photography school in Maine. Brinchmann worked as a Deep Sea Diver air tender for his father. During World War II, he worked as a welder at the South Portland Ship Yard. Later he worked at the South Portland school Department as a custodian. A longtime member of the Odd Fellow’s Unity Lodge #3, Brinchmann loved Cocker Spaniels, golf, collecting and paying with his dollar coins and raising flowers. He was predeceased by his sisters Anna Slade, Betty Gleason and Atlanta Brinchmann and two brothers Harry and Carl Brinchmann. Survivors include his sisters Rev. Charlotte Brinchmann of Portland, Ruth Atlanta of Portland, Helen Emerson of Manchester, N.H., Juel A. Brinchmann of Conn., along with nieces and nephews including his favorite niece Susan Flint of Portland. A graveside service was held Aug. 18 at Forest City cemetery in South Portland. Arrangements were made by the Hobbs Funeral Home 230 Cottage Road South Portland, Maine 04106. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, Mass. 01104.
Claudia Galuza DeMonte, 90
BRUNSWICK – Claudia Galuza DeMonte, 90, passed away quietly in her sleep Aug. 19 at Winship Green Nursing Home in Bath, with members of her extended family at her side. born Sept. 21, 1915, she was the last survivor of nine children born to Jerry and Melvina Maximovich Galuza. She graduated from Stevens High School in Rumford. DeMonte’s parents originally emigrated from Russia to settle in Rumford, where they were part of the immigrant community that built the town’s paper mill. Her father arrived first and was joined several years later by his wife, whose odyssey with four small children, on foot and by tramp steamer, was a classic example of the determination of immigrants escaping that tumultuous era of Eastern European politics and the privations of the day. Early on, DeMonte displayed a natural maternal concern for her siblings and an enduring cheerful disposition. The family’s oral history is filled with fond recollections of her shepherding her brothers and sisters off to school, driving her Model T from the family farm at Rumford Point and carrying the big basket of homemade food that would be their school lunch. Her childhood friend, Ed Muskie, said he was always jealous of the wonderful smells coming from Galuza’s table at lunch time. DeMonte quickly learned from her mother how to set a hearty table for the working men in the family and for the boarders who headed into the woods each day to cut pulp for the new mill. And as her brothers grew, she would sit up evenings waiting for them to come home from local Friday night boxing matches in Rumford, ready to patch them up when they returned with their prize money. In l937, DeMonte married Rocco “Rocky” DeMonte, son of one of the many Italian stonemasons who also came over to help build the Rumford mill. They moved to an old farmstead just outside Brunswick at the outset of World War II and her husband started what was to be his long career as a welder at the shipyard. The couple raised two sons, Tom and Michael. And, in addition to caring for her aging parents, they kept their door open to their siblings and spouses who needed a temporary home as they started out in life. DeMonte’s home became the anchor point for each holiday, where the expanding Galuza clan gathered for wonderful food and family reminiscences. In addition to setting a magnificent holiday table, she would also cook favorite special dishes for various members of the family. When DeMonte first came to Brunswick, she worked in the Verney Mill, until it closed in 1955. She then began a 23-year career on the food service staff at Bowdoin College, retiring in 1978. Her special mix of compassion and unflagging good cheer made her favorite with students and colleagues alike. DeMonte was also a charter member of the Brunswick Emblem Club, B.P.O.E., where her husband also remained active until his death. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Tom; by her brothers Walter (Bud), Stanley, Valerian (infant death), Albert, Adam, and Alphonse Francis; and by sisters Adele and Anne. She is survived by her son Michael DeMonte and his wife, Brenda of Fullerton, Cal.; a grandson, Michael, of Lakeland, Fla..; several step grand-children, her sisters-in-law, Louisa Galuza of Brunswick and Babe Galuza of Woolwich; many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and several great grand nieces and nephews. Visiting hours were Aug. 22 at Demers-Desmond Funeral Home and funeral services were Aug. 23 at the funeral home. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery, Brunswick.
Philip “Phil” R. Baxter, 67
FREEPORT – Philip “Phil” R. Baxter was known as a prankster. He enjoyed playing tricks on his family and friends. Baxter, 67, of Bragdon Road died Aug. 22 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. born in Malden, Mass. on March 7, 1939, Baxter was the son of Thomas Henry and Doris Spracklin Baxter Jr. He attended Malden and Billerica, Mass. schools and served in the U.S. Navy. Baxter worked construction in the Boston area and moved to Richmond in 1963. He worked as a painting contractor until becoming a general contractor in 1990, a job he continued until his retirement due to ill health. He was married to Barbara Holman Baxter for 12 years. In 1982 he married Edith “Edie” Davis. Baxter was a member of the board of directors for the CED Headstart program and served as president of the policy council. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, cooking, four-wheeling and attending flee markets and auctions. In addition, he helped several friends build their homes. Surviving are his wife Edie Baxter of Freeport; a son, Philip Baxter of Freeport; four daughters, SueEllen Baxter of Bowdoinham; Pamela Baxter Young and her companion Donald McKenna of Bowdoinham; Paula Kassandra Baxter of Lewiston; Charlene Beasley and her companion Richard Douglass of Bowdoinham; a brother, Paul Baxter of Topsham; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Visiting hours were held Aug. 24 at Stetson’s Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. At the Webster cemetery in Freeport with the Rev. Ronald McLaughlin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 275, Topsham, Maine 04086.
Vivian J. Williams, 75
PORTLAND – Vivian J. Williams took pleasure in time spent with her family. She was a perennial and passionate fan at the various sporting events of her children and grandchildren. Williams, 75, longtime resident of Ludlow Street in Portland, died Oct. 17 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. She was born Oct. 26, 1930 in Portland, the daughter of John and Catherine (Delia) Johnson. Educated in Portland schools, she was a graduate of Deering High School, class of 1949. Williams then attended the Maine Eye & Ear Infirmary School of Nursing, graduating in 1952. She was employed as a registered nurse at Maine Medical Center for more than 40 years until her retirement in the early 1990s.Even after her retirement, Williams continued her interest in the nursing profession. She was a member of the Southern Maine Oncology Nursing Society and regularly attended their monthly meetings. She also attended Clark Memorial United Methodist Church of Portland. An avid fan of both the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, Williams closely followed the career of former New England Patriots’ player Drew Bledsoe. But, most of all, Williams enjoyed time with her family. Her children will fondly remember the talent she had for cooking, her skills in the kitchen and her ability to organize gatherings of her family and friends. Williams was predeceased by her husband, Roger D. Williams Sr., who died in 1998. Survivors include her six children, Roger D. Williams Jr. and his wife Carolyn of South Portland, Kevin B. Williams and his wife Julie of Portland, Janice W. and her husband Jim Martin of Bath, Catherine E. Williams and her husband Andrew C. Beahm of Portland, William T. Williams and his wife Michelle of Westbrook, Theodore S. Williams and his wife Madeline of Scarborough; and ten grandchildren, Roger Williams III, Kimberly and Kaitlyn Williams, Matthew Williams, David and Mark Beahm, Rachel and Olivia Williams and Hannah and Carter Williams.Visiting hours were held Oct. 20. A funeral service was held Oct. 21 with the Rev. Dr. Gene Koelker officiating. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Vivian J. Williams’ memory to The Cancer Community Center, 778 Main Street, South Portland, Maine 04106.
F. Elise Olson, 87
PORTLAND – F. Elise Olson was proud of her 40 years of continuous service as a registered nurse. During that time, she served in direct patient care, in school nursing, and in supervisory positions. Olson, 87, of Seventy Five State Street, passed away Oct. 8 at her home. She was born on Jan. 4, 1919 in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of Naomi and Joseph M. Denny. Educated in Baltimore schools, she graduated from Church Home and Hospital School of Nursing, an affiliate school of Johns Hopkins University, also in Baltimore.She married Richard Edwin Olson on Feb. 16, 1942, in Seattle, Wash.When the couple moved back to Maryland to raise a family, Olson became active in the Order of the Eastern Star and the International Order of Job’s Daughters. When her husband retired, they moved to Laurium, Mich. There, she worked as a nursing supervisor, retiring reluctantly, for health reasons. In 1995, she moved to Maine, where she continued to be interested in health care and elder issues. She became involved in the Southern Maine Agency on Aging and served on the Advisory Council. In 2001, she was a nominee for the Southern Maine Agency on Aging Living Legacy Award. She enjoyed assisting students from the University of New England in their geriatric practicum and University of Southern Maine nursing students in their studies of geriatrics. Olson had trained as a lay minister in the Catholic Church, and took pleasure in performing those duties and responsibilities in both Michigan and Maine. She enjoyed traveling, reading, knitting and Sudoku puzzles. Olson was predeceased by her loving husband, Richard; their daughter, Marilyn Elise; her parents; and her brother, Joseph Denny.She will be sadly missed by her son, Richard E. Olson and his wife, Linda Anisman; her daughter, Kathie Sheehan and her husband, Michael; and her three beloved grandchildren, Sarah Olson, and Kelsey and Justin Sheehan. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Ruth Arkelin and Jeanne Mogan and their families. Because she so strongly supported the education of health professionals, she was a participant in the anatomical donor program of the University of New England. A memorial service to celebrate her life was held Oct. 23 at Seventy Five State Street.
Dorothy Whitehouse Ahonen, 91
PORTLAND – Dorothy Whitehouse Ahonen taught school for 57 years. Her greatest passion was teaching reading and enriching the minds of her students. Ahonen, 91, of Portland, died Oct. 15 at Mercy Hospital. She was born in Marshfield on Sept. 20, 1915, the daughter of James S. and Jane Parry Whitehouse. She grew up in Machias, graduated from of the University of Maine and received a master’s degree in education from Boston University. In 1932, she began her teaching career in Wesley. Later, she moved on to teach on Bell Hill in Otisfield. Continuing to teach for many years, she relocated to Portland in the 1940s where she lived for more than 65 years.Ahonen was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Rebekah Lodge and a life member of Beta Sigma Phi. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and participated in various church activities and organizations. She was also an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed playing the piano. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward Ahonen, in 2004, after 67 years of marriage; a sister, Bertha Mae Anthony; and a brother, John S. Whitehouse.She is survived by her daughter, Jane A. Bridges and husband Dan of Cave Creek, Ariz.; a grandson, Srinka A. Johnson and his wife Elizabeth, a granddaughter, Keadron A. Jones and her husband Braden, a great-grandson, Tye D. Johnson, all of Phoenix, Ariz.; a sister, Alice Albee of Portland; and nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held Oct. 21 at Stuart’s Corner cemetery in Harrison. Arrangements were under the direction of Weston-Chandler Funeral Home, Norway. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.westonchandler.com.Remembrance donations may can be made to The American Finnish Society, P.O. Box 294, West Paris, Maine 04289.
Gerald F. Hutchings, 89
PORTLAND – Gerald “Gerry” F. Hutchings served in World War II for more than three years. For the rest of his life, he struggled with the emotions associated with the tremendous loss of life of fellow sailors and soldiers. Hutchings, 89, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving family on Oct. 15 after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Aug. 17, 1917, the son of John F. and Ella Hutchings. He grew up in North Tarrytown, N.Y., where he attended schools and graduated from the General Motors Training Center at its Chevrolet and Fisher Body facilities in North Tarrytown.Enlisting in the U.S. Navy in April 1942, he saw convoy duty in the North Atlantic and participated in the D-Day invasion, Omaha Beach. He completed his Navy career on Dec. 7, 1945, as chief boatswain’s mate in the South Pacific theater. On Aug. 26, 1946, Hutchings married the love of his life, Betty Martin. While living in North Tarrytown, he was a volunteer firefighter at the Rescue Hose Company, serving alongside longtime friend and firefighter, Nelson Rockefeller, who later became governor of New York. His professional career began in Madawaska, as safety director and then as personnel manager for Fraser Paper serving the four pulp and paper, sawmill and pulpwood operations, later joining the firm of Georgia Pacific in Woodland, and then Brown Company in Berlin, N.H. He formed his own consulting and placement company dedicated to the pulp and paper industry. He later assisted E.C. Jordan Company, consulting engineers, to help broaden their contacts in the pulp and paper industry. He was active in the Pulp and Paper Foundation at the University of Maine. During his younger years, he was an active speed skater and a member of the Headless Horsemen Skating Club affiliated with the Mid-Atlantic Skating Club. He was also an avid fly fisherman and hunter.He had a passion for the game of golf and actually scored six holes-in-one during his lifetime, one which two of his grandchildren observed. He was a member of the Gorham Country Club and Sable Trace in Northport, Fla., where he and his wife spent 23 active winters with family and friends.Hutchings is survived by his loving wife of 60 years; a sister, Joan Chebetar and husband Frank of Virginia Beach, Va.; several nieces and nephews; a daughter, Joan Bragdon and husband Merle of Lamoine; a son, John and wife Nancy of Cumberland; a daughter, Jane Smith and husband Garry of Portland; and a daughter, Janice Hutchings of Atlanta; seven grandchildren, John Bragdon, Michael Bragdon, Carly Hutchings, Neil Hutchings, Brian Smith, Travis Anthoine and Kelly Anthoine; as well as two great-grandchildren, Jack and Chase Bragdon.An hour of visitation was held Oct. 19, followed by a memorial service. Interment with military honors was in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gerald F. Hutchings’ memory to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted St., Suite 201, Chicago, Ill. 60622. The Hutchings family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of VNA Home Health Care of South Portland for their support and care.
Joseph A. Ferrante, 94
PORTLAND – Joseph A. Ferrante enjoyed spending time with his family. One of his favorite ways to spend an evening was sitting by a fire, popping popcorn with his great-nieces, Stephanie and Jill. Ferrante, 94, a resident of St. Lawrence Street in Portland, died Oct. 20, at his residence. He was born Nov. 23, 1911 in Portland, a son of Rafaele and Luisa (DiPietrantoniou) Ferrante. He was educated in Portland schools.Ferrante served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his military service, he went to work as a stevedore for many years at Jarka Company of Portland.A longtime communicant of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church of Portland, Ferrante enjoyed tinkering in his garage and tending to his gardens.He was predeceased by his brothers, Santino, Constantine, Anthony and Paul.He is survived by a brother, Orlando Ferrante of Portland; a sister, Lucy Ferrante of Portland; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.There will be no visiting hours. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
Howard F. Brown, 80
FALMOUTH – Howard F. “Buster” Brown, 80, beloved husband of Marie C. Brown, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 18. Brown was born Oct. 10, 1926 in Portland, the son of the late William R. and Mildred Stearns Brown. He left Falmouth High School to join the Air Corps during World War II. He served in Panama, where he became a pilot. After the war he returned to Falmouth. He went to work for the Grand Trunk Railroad, beginning in the grain elevator and working his way up to head of the Canadian
National Investigation Department, with a territory that covered Portland to Island Pond, Vt. Brown loved the sea and, during his lifetime, he built several boats, following his father’s example as a boat builder. He was a member of the Buck A Month hunting club. The club was built in 1958 when the members dismantled the Congregational Church at Falmouth Corner, hauled it piece by piece to Strong and rebuilt it as a huge hunting camp. Brown served as Sergeant of Arms in the American Legion Post No. 164 in Falmouth. He also volunteered with the Food Program in Falmouth, rising at 4 a.m. to drive to Portland to pick up the food packages, which he cheerfully distributed that same day. Brown loved his family very much and was always there for them. He attended every one of his grandchildren’s sporting events and earned the right to be called Grandpa by all the players on each team. He is predeceased by brothers, Edward and Alfred Brown. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marie C. (Villacci) Brown; and his three daughters, Amy O’Shea of North Yarmouth, Jeanne Gribbin of Scarborough and Ellen Harford of South Berwick. He is fondly known as Pa by his seven grandchildren, Chris Pascale, Robert Pascale, Kathleen O’Shea, Allison Gribbin, Chelsea Gribbin, Adena Harford, Micah Harford; and two great-grandchildren, Chloe Pascale and Vincent Pascale. He is also survived by a brother, William of Poland; and sisters Joyce Villacci of Strong, Grace Farwell of Portland and Billie Herbert of Portland. A funeral service was held Oct. 24 at the West Falmouth Baptist Church and burial was at Moss Side cemetery in Cumberland. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed in his name to The Multiple Sclerosis Society, 170 Route 1, Falmouth, Maine 04105 or to The Alzheimer’s Association, 163 Lancaster Street, Portland, Maine 04101.
Elwood A. Webster Jr., 84
FALMOUTH – Elwood A. “Woody” Webster Jr. had a passion for flying. He spent many hours in a plane, boring holes in the sky. Webster, 84, a longtime resident of Southport and recently of Falmouth, passed away at home on Oct. 16, surrounded by his loving family. Webster was born Aug. 31, 1922, in Norristown, Pa., a son of Elwood A. Webster Sr. and Grace Duffield Webster. He was a graduate of Norristown High School, attended Drexel Institute, and graduated from Hofstra University. A Navy pilot in the Pacific theater during World War II, Webster continued flying as a major in the Army National Guard. He was also a pilot for United Air Lines and a private flight instructor. He and his wife, Jane, lived in Westbury, N.Y., where he worked as the director of facilities for the Westbury School District. In 1989, the couple retired to Southport, where he and Jane, in his words, “found peace and contentment.” Webster was also passionate about music; he loved playing the piano and played tuba in The Boothbay Marching Band. He enjoyed reading, loved gardening and cared deeply about his family. Webster is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jane Webster of Falmouth; his daughter, Sandra Webster Lincheck of St. Charles Ill.; his son, David Webster of Portland; his grandsons, David Walker of St. Charles, Ill., Charles Walker of Matthews, N.C., and Joseph Webster of Portland; and four great-grandchildren. There will be a gathering of friends to celebrate his life at a time in the near future.
Walter Hunter Caswell Jr.
Walter Hunter Caswell Jr., 80 FALMOUTH & WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Walter Hunter Caswell Jr., 80, of West Palm Beach, Fla., died peacefully at his Falmouth Foreside home on Oct. 22 with family member Karen Metzger at his side. born in New York City on Jan. 23, 1926, Caswell was the son of Walter H. Sr. and Ruth (Rebhann) Caswell. He was educated at Pawling Military Institute and Bordertown Military Academy in New York. After completing his education, he served his country in the U.S. Army with the 95th Infantry Division during World War II, fighting in the Battle of Bulge. Following his military service, Caswell became vice president of Caswell Ford Motors in New York City and in Dover, N.J. He later became owner and president of Caswell Ford Motors in Carrelton, Texas, as well as owner and president of a Toyota dealership in Fort Pierce, Fla. Caswell was predeceased by his wives, Doria, who died in 1998, and Susan, who died in 2004. In addition to Karen Metzger, Caswell is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Caron and Richard Lazar and granddaughter, Courtney all of North Carolina; stepson, George de Randich of Washington; stepson and wife, James and Katrina Rieger and their daughter Virginia Clark all of Alabama; stepson and wife, Frederick and Susan Rieger III and their son Nicholas all of Australia; stepson and wife David and Jeannie Rieger of Connecticut; nieces, Virginia Donner of Washington and Denise Greening of Connecticut; dear friends; and his beloved pet, C-2. At Caswell’s request, services will be private. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Hospice of Southern Maine, 901 Washington Ave., Portland, Maine 04103.
