Shirley York

WINDHAM — Shirley V. York, 87, of Windham, died on Monday, Aug. 22, 2016.

She was born on May 26, 1929, the daughter of Fred and Vesta (Mains) Horr.

Shirley attended local schools and spent her life in the Windham and Gorham area. On June 14, 1949, she married Benjamin York. Together, they raised their four children, Philip, Fred, Benjamin and Nancy.

Shirley held various jobs throughout her life including managing a “tourist home,” as well as a hotel in Gorham, working at Two Trails Diner, and the Gorham IGA; but the job she was most proud of was taking care of her family. She was a sweet and loving mother.

She was the queen of QVC and enjoyed shopping at antique shops, and barn and yard sales. She enjoyed adding trinkets to her snowmen, cows and loon collections. Shirley was proud to consider her family to be a “Mopar” family. She was an animal lover and especially enjoyed caring for the family horses.

She is survived by her children, Philip York Sr. of Casco, Fred York of Windham, Benjamin York Jr. of Parsonsfield and Nancy York of Windham; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Benjamin, in 2011; and siblings Peter, Fred, Isabelle, Nancy and Dorothy.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. Burial will follow at Mayberry Cemetery, Park Road, in Windham. To express condolences or participate in Shirley’s online tribute, please visit: www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, P.O. Box 10, South Windham, ME 04082.

Kris Paine

SOUTH PARIS — Kris Faye Paine, 54, of South Paris, passed away, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, at her home in South Paris surrounded by her children and loving husband, after a short battle with lung cancer.

She was born on May 13, 1962, in Bridgton, a daughter of Ronald Clark and Marilyn Gammon.
 Kris married the love of her life, Ralph Edward Paine on Oct. 16, 1979 and shared nearly 37 joyful years together.
 She worked as a home health aide for numerous clients who adored her. She also worked cleaning for Larry Moore until the time of her diagnosis.
 In her free time, Kris was very family oriented. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and especially her husband. She loved to drink tea, read, work in her gardens, crossword puzzles, cooking, baking, and studying the word of God with her husband. Many referred to her as the strongest person they’ve ever known, as well as the kindest. She was truly a woman of great character and will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Kris is survived by her husband, Ralph Paine of South Paris; her father, Ronald of Madison; her mother, Marilyn of South Paris; her daughters, Kara Paine of South Paris and Kemson Paine of Stoneham; step-daughter, Diana Snow of Norway; step-son, Jeremiah Paine of Auburn; six grandchildren; siblings, Jeffrey Clark of Indiana, Kimberly Packard of Norway, Lance Clark of Harrison and Michelle Murch of Harrison; half-sister, Sherry Sodergren of Michigan; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

A celebration of her life will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Paris Fire Station. Arrangements are in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online tributes may be shared at www.chandlerfunerals.com

Jack Dow Jr.

RAYMOND — Jack William Dow Jr., 73, of Raymond, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Nov. 24, 1942, to Rev. Jack W. and Ruth (Wheaton) Dow.

He grew up in Pennsylvania as a child, spending his summers at his grandparents’ cottage on Skiff Lake, New Brunswick. His family later moved to Northport and Camden, where he attended junior high school. He attended the Hinckley School, graduating in 1961. Jack attended Gorham State Teachers College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Education in 1965. He then went on to receive his master’s degree from Gorham State College in 1968.

On June 5, 1965, he married Marguerite E. Elfstrom at Immanuel Baptist, and they resided in Saco, where they raised their two children, Jay and Amy.

He taught for 29 years in Portland, seven years at Butler School and 22 years at Hall, retiring in 1994. His first marriage ended in divorce in 1985. In 1997, he met Patrick A. Eaton, with whom he shared domestic partnership. On Aug. 6, 2013, they were married at their 1825 Cape in Raymond Village.

Jack was very proud of his two children and three grandchildren.

Jack was predeceased by his parents; and his twin brother, Jerry W. Dow; as well as Ivy Rose.

He is survived by his husband, Patrick A. Eaton; his son, Jack Dow III of Saco; daughter, Amy Dow of Piermont, N.H.; stepdaughter, Ashley Eaton of Topsham; and three grandchildren.

At his request, cremation and private graveside service by Cote Funeral Home, Saco, with burial in family plot at Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to: Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, 50 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101.

John Bose

RAYMOND — John Robert Bose, 68, of Raymond, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016.

He was born on April 19, 1948 in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Robert J. Bose and Doris Virginia (Lalley) Horton.

John grew up in Missouri and graduated from Bishop Diego High School. He went on to attend Kansas City Community College later joining the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and enjoyed his career as a computer technician working for Texas Instruments and Hewlett-Packard.

He was an active member and bookkeeper for Our Lady of Perpetual Help and was a past Grand Knight of Msgr. William G. Cunneen Counsel #10020. He was also a member of the Windham VFW Post #10643.

John is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Fancy) Bose; daughters, Laurie Hargreaves of Raymond and Teresa Lawlor of Raymond; five grandchildren; sisters, Judi Armenta of Lenexa, Kansas, Linda Ault of Blue Springs, Mo., Patricia Stork of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Terre Sciolaro of Kansas City, Mo., Ronni Smith of St. Charles, Mo. and Melissa Garcia of Loveland, Colo.; and a brother, Paul Horton of Holden, Mo.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 26 at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham.

To express condolences and to participate in John’s online tribute, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

Those wishing to remember John may make gifts in his name to: The Community of the Resurrection, PO Box 284, Casco, ME 04015.

Colleen Curran

SCARBOROUGH — Colleen D. Curran, 89, died Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016 at Pine Point Center in Scarborough.

Born in Lewiston on July 31, 1927, Colleen was the daughter of the late William and Anne Mae (Sherry) Donovan. She graduated from Lewiston High School Class of 1945. Following high school, Colleen continued her education at Farmington State Teachers’ College, graduating in 1949.

Colleen had a lengthy career teaching elementary school in the South Portland School Department, where she retired from in 1988.

She married Francis J. Curran Jr. on June 30, 1985. Together, Frank and Colleen enjoyed their retirement by wintering in Ocala, Fla. for the last 20 years. They also enjoyed golfing together, traveling to Ireland, spending time in Camden and attending the summer theatre. Above all else, Colleen was a kind-hearted, courageous and loving woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Patricia Ward and Sheila Rogers.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Frances J. Curran Jr. of Scarborough; daughters, Mae Norton of Freeport and Susan Larrabee of Gorham; stepchildren, Mary Huntley of Portland, Patricia Raitto of Naples, Shaun Curran of Portland, Joseph Curran of South Portland and Timothy Curran of Windham; 11 step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

Visiting hours were held on Monday, Aug. 22, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers were recited at the funeral home on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016 at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Colleen’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Special Olympics Maine, 125 John Roberts Rd, #5, South Portland, ME 04106.

RAYMOND — Helen E. (Watson) Nelson, 90, of Raymond and formerly of Danbury, Conn. and Sharon, Mass., passed away on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016.

She was an avid reader, who enjoyed crocheting, knitting and quilting. She taught Sunday school at the Congregational Church in Sharon, Mass. for many years and was also a Girl Scout leader.

Wife of the late Fremont “Buddy” Nelson, she is survived by her son, Kenneth Nelson of Wolfeboro, N.H.; a granddaughter, grandson and great-grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was predeceased by her five brothers, John, Ned, Bud, Tom and Bob.

There will be a private graveside service in Raymond.

Stewart Graham Sr.

NAPLES — Stewart Ross Graham Sr., 99, was born to William Moutrie and Edith Stewart Graham, in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Sept. 25, 1917.

He shared this nest with three other siblings that have since passed before him (Betty, Douglas and Archie). He met the love of his life, Thomasina (Mae) Rana and, with smiles on their faces and a twinkle in their eyes, they married on May 24, 1942. Sons Stewart Ross Jr. (1946) and William Peter (1950) soon became a part of their extensive families.

He had joined the U.S. Coast Guard (as an enlisted man) but quickly rose through the ranks to Commander. He, Mae and the boys endured, and enjoyed, numerous transfers around the country, finally settling in at Naples, Maine upon his retirement (1960), after 24 years of service. He and Mae offered endless love, rugged support, copious food and drinks (“how-abouts”) to the endless flow of family and friends that came through their doors. Sadly, Mae passed away on Sept. 27, 2014. The man she lived, loved and laughed with joined her on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at home with his family at his side.

Stewart was a busy young man in his service with the Coast Guard and is nationally-recognized as a pioneer in rotary wing (helicopter) flight. Some of the highlights of his career included:

Sept. 15, 1946 — The world’s first major airline crash found him flying an early model Sikorsky helicopter, rescuing survivors from an inaccessible site. For his actions, he was commissioned “A Knight of the Order of Leopold” by the Belgium government.

He had the designation of Coast Guard Aviator #114 and USCG and Navy helicopter pilot #2, compiling many “firsts” following his three hours of instruction on how to fly helicopters at the Sikorsky factory in 1943 — He made the first helicopter antisubmarine warfare patrol flying against the German U-Boat threat from a British freighter in convoy (Jan., 1944). He, and a Royal Air Force pilot flew from a makeshift flight deck, on a stormy N. Atlantic crossing, proving the usefulness of the helicopter to the Navy in 1951. He became a tactical instructor shortly thereafter.

As the Coast Guard was under the Dept. of the Navy during war, he was the first test pilot for helicopters. Along with his mentor, Commander Frank Erickson, he established the “Rotary Wing Development Unit” at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Elizabeth City, N.C. in 1946. The team imagined, and created, much of the rescue equipment, helicopter design, and tactics still used today by modern helicopter crews. These include such innovations as the hydraulic hoist and rescue basket for survivor retrieval. These first humanitarian services, dubbed the still largely-unknown helicopter as “hovering angels” put the Coast Guard in the rescue business by 1946.

He was the first to carry helicopter airmail to the N. Carolina Outer Banks villages.

Dec. 1947 — He was the first to employ a nighttime medical evacuation, by helicopter, when they were not even equipped for night flying.

For a week, in 1948, he performed helicopter demonstration flights for the opening ceremonies of the NY new Idlewild Airport (now JFK).

Mar. 1949 — He flew solo the 3,900-mile trip from Elizabeth City, N.C., to Port Angeles, Wash., after a 56-hour flight time, in just 10 and a half days.

Ten years later (1959), he provided the helicopter escort for the Queen of England, on the HMS Britannia, during the dedication of the St. Lawrence Seaway, from Buffalo, N.Y., to Chicago, Ill.

Jan. 1955 — He flew the first recorded night hoist, in the Gulf of Mexico, retrieving three survivors of a shipwreck.

Stew’s pioneering efforts in helicopters resulted in the rescue of thousands of people in distress around the globe over the past 70 years. He helped prove the value of the helicopter as a revolutionary aircraft through his own imagination, tenacity and exceptional skills.

Commander Graham was recognized for his contribution to aviation in the Coast Guard Aviation Hall of Honors in 1995 and in the U.S. Naval Aviation Hall of Honor in 2004. During his career, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, Knighthood by the Belgium government and numerous other awards for helicopter development.

He was a man of many achievements but he would count the greatest of these the love and admiration of his numerous friends and family members. He, and Mae, will never be forgotten and always fondly remembered by those who were privileged to have known and loved them.

They are survived by their sons: Ross of Naples, Bill (Linda) of Jacksonville, Ore.; grandsons Alan of N. Conway, N.H., and Michael (Jennifer) with great-grandsons Luke and Liam of Central Pt., Ore.; along with too many wonderful family and friends to be included in this announcement.

No funeral is planned. A USCG and private family memorial, at Arlington National Cemetery, is to be planned at a future date. Donations to favorite charities are always encouraged and appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Bruce Bell

WATERFORD – Bruce F. Bell, 63 of Waterford, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He died peacefully at his home on McWain Pond surrounded by his loving family.

Bruce was born Oct. 29, 1952, the first son of Frank and Frances Bell. He grew up in Bridgton, graduating from Lake Region High School in 1971.

Bruce retired in 2010 after a 37-year career with Central Maine Power Company Meter Department, working in both Bridgton and Lewiston offices.

Bruce married his beloved wife, Debbie Smith in Harrison on Oct. 19, 1985, and together they shared 30 wonderful years.

He was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Heather Lee and Jennifer Lynn; as well as two amazing grandchildren, Brenna Madison and Camden Ryan. His family was his pride and joy.

“Boo Boo” will be remembered for always making others laugh up until the very end, and his willingness to always lend a hand to help someone out.

Bruce loved the outdoors including traveling, playing sports, hunting, fishing, and would often have a cigar going “to keep the bugs away.” He loved anything sports-related, especially the Red Sox, Patriots, and Notre Dame football.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie of Waterford; two daughters and their spouses, Heather and Sean Miller of Kennebunk, and Jennifer and Matthew Vermette of Wells; two grandchildren, Brenna and Camden Miller; two brothers, Cliff and his wife, Diane of Windham, and Ron and his wife, Terry of Naples; and two sisters, Susan Gratto and her husband, Chris of Portland, and Brenda Tobin and her husband, Tim of Bridgton. He is also loved and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and the entire Smith family.

The family would like to thank Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Bridgton Hospital, and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their wonderful support during this difficult time.

Visiting hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26, at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Oxford. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday at Elm Vale Cemetery in Waterford with Pastor Tim Knowles officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240. Condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com

HARRISON — Sarah N. (Qualey) Gilkey, 91, passed away at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on August 23, 2016.

She was born June 6, 1925 in Casco, daughter of Martin J. and Persis (Nutting) Qualey. She married Milton N. Gilkey and they spent their life on Maple Ridge, where they owned the Maple Ridge Airport.

She is survived by her son, Joseph Gilkey and his wife Marcia of South Portland; her sister Mabel Heino of Harrison; her brother, Reg Qualey of Windham; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no service. A gathering will be held at Joe and Marcia’s camp in Casco at a later date.

TRIER, GERMANY — James I. Norman Sr., 77, died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at Lanstuhl Hospital after a brief illness of lung cancer and many complications.

Born in Naples on Jan. 19, 1939, Jim was the son of Charlie and June Norman. He attended local schools and then joined the U.S. Air Force and served for 27 years, retiring in 1983. His first tour of duty was Germany, where he met and married Erika Castillini, enjoying 59 years together. After retiring from the Air Force, he went to work for an American-based company out of Colorado Springs, Colo., for 18 years, before retiring permanently to Trier, Germany. He was a very kind, loving and compassionate man, who deeply loved his family.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Paul Leighton, Fred Norman and Craig Norman.

He is survived by his beloved wife Erika; sons, William of Trier and James Jr. of Calif.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four sisters, Jeanne Tenney, Marcia Tripp and DeaDea Robbins, all of Naples, and Margie Webber of Beverly Hills, Fla.

A military-based service is planned with burial at a local cemetery near their home in Trier.

CASCO — Marion Flanagin, 86, passed away at her home on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, with her beloved husband and son at her side.

Marion was born July 17, 1930, in Caribou, to Louise Nadeau Barnum and Stanley Guy Barnum.

A graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington with a degree in education, she often spoke fondly of her time in school playing for the basketball team and as a member of the Lamda Sorority. She was a teacher in the South Portland School system for 25 years. During this time she received her master’s degree from USM and was working toward a PhD.

Marion loved to travel, visiting England, Ireland, France (speaking the language), and Alaska, where she and her husband Sidney caught large salmon and enjoyed the sights in their RV. She loved trying new dishes and was an accomplished chef, even writing and publishing her own cookbook, “Cooking for Health.”

She was a member of the Sunshine Club, the Webbs Mills Baptist Church and volunteered for the Casco Rescue.

Marion married her husband, Sidney Flanagin, a Marine Corps veteran, during her last year of college. They moved to Camp LeJeune before returning to Maine and settling in Casco. They raised four children, gardened and sold antiques at their farm, and enjoyed time with their family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Sidney Flanagin; four children, Sheila, Mark, Sidney Jr., and Dean and his wife Kim; four grandchildren, Erin and Kelly Enberg, Deanna and Kevin Flanagin; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Pearl Barnum, Betty Short, Sonny Barnum, Gloria Finnemore and Ruby Cost.

A graveside service was held at Webbs Mills Cemetery, Route 85, Casco at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30. Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net

Gregory Gillespie

NAPLES — Gregory A. Gillespie, 59, passed away Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, with his wife and oldest daughter by his side.

He was born Sept. 12, 1956, to his surviving parents Lawrence and Theresa (Turcotte) Gillespie. He was employed most of his life with his parents’ business, Gillespie Farms, later joining Paris Farmers Union as a salesman. He served in the U.S. Army as a sharpshooter with a first class badge – grenade.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Madore) Gillespie; brother, Jeff Gillespie; children, Jessica, Greg and Harleigh; a grandson; stepchildren, Arica, Jason and Paul; and three step-grandchildren.

A service will be held at East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Avenue, Auburn, Friday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Beacon Hospice, 245 Center St. #10A, Auburn, ME 04210.

Charles McLeod

DENMARK — Charles E. “Charlie” McLeod, 92, of Denmark, died on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016, at the Bridgton Health Care Center in Bridgton.

He was born in Attleboro, Mass., on March 11, 1924, the son of Elwin and Edith (Tillson) McLeod, and was educated in Attleboro schools, graduating from Attleboro High School in 1941.

In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 290th Regiment, F Company, of the 75th Infantry Division, where he served his country in the European Theater until 1945 when he was sent home due to war-related injuries.

Charles married his sweetheart, Ida Moulton of Denmark, on Aug. 3, 1946, in Attleboro, where they lived until 1948 when they moved to Denmark. They raised three daughters.

Charles worked for a few years at the Diamond Match Company in Fryeburg, and for many years at Cardinal Printing Company in Denmark. He was very independent and built a huge two-story chicken house, where he raised and sold chickens for many years, from chicks to broiler-size. He also took pride in his woodlots and spent countless hours working in the woods cutting trees for firewood to heat his home.

He served in several positions for the town of Denmark. For many years he was a volunteer fireman. Every Friday night at 7 p.m., he would be at the firehouse with Merle Moore and the rest of the guys. He was a member of the board of selectmen for a few years, and also a school board member.

He loved hunting and fishing, gardening, and taking care of his family and home in Denmark. He was a wonderful dad who taught by example. He was independent, resourceful, self-reliant, and could do about anything he put his mind to — carpentry, plumbing, mechanics and more.

Besides his parents, Charles was predeceased by his wife, Ida (Moulton) McLeod. He is survived by his three daughters, Cynthia Lee, Judy Tardif, and Margaret Mills, all residing in Denmark; plus 10 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Sunday, Aug. 28, at the Gilman Cemetery on the Rocky Knoll Road in Denmark.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bridgton Health Care Center, 186 Portland Road, Bridgton, ME 04009.

Joseph Davis

SOLON — Joseph Edwin Davis, 62, of Solon, formerly of Fryeburg and Stow, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, after a very courageous battle with cancer.

He was born May 16, 1954, to Yvonne Louise Ryerson Davis and Millard Sherman Davis.

Joe was an avid deer hunter who loved the outdoors. He worked in the Fryeburg area as a logger and later worked for White Mountain Oil and B & L Oil as a burner technician.

He leaves behind a loving wife, Darilyn Gale Keaten Davis; one son, David Jerome Davis and his girlfriend Sarah Black; three grandchildren, Rose Marie King, Joshua Joseph MacArthur and Bentley Allen Davis; his father, Millard Davis; an older brother, Millard Sherman Davis Jr., one younger brother, George B. Davis and his wife Diana; a younger sister, Yvonne Davis; and several nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his mother, Yvonne Davis; and a sister-in-law, Libby Davis.

Joe requested no funeral. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date in the Fryeburg area. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or Fryeburg Fish and Game.

OXFORD — Clara Alberta (Graffam) Dieringer, 91, beloved mother and grandmother, of Sun City, Florida, died on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. She was born in Bridgton, on June 23, 1925.

She is survived by four children, Dick and Penny Kimball, Bruce and Nancy Kimball, Rick and Carole Kimball, and daughter Darlene Thomas six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren one great-great-grandchild and nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m., in the conference room at Mollyockett Motel, 1132 S. Main St. in Woodstock, Maine, telephone 207-674-2345.

CASCO — Paul Austin Lagasse, 25, the beloved son of Peter and Joy Lagasse, died unexpectedly on Sunday morning, Oct. 2, 2016, in Casco.

He was born on July 3, 1991, in Orlando, Fla.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. A period of visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be private at a later date.

Leo Albert

AUBURN — Leo Paul Albert Jr., 67, died on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Portland.

He was born on June 24, 1949, in Nuremberg, Germany, a son of the late Leo P. and Alma C. (McInnis) Albert Sr. After graduating from high school, Leo went on to obtain an associate’s degree and his substance abuse counselor license.

Leo held numerous jobs, all across the country including working as a machinist and computer programmer and technician. He also worked as a counselor at the recovery center at Mercy Hospital, Milestone and the Serenity House.

He served his country and was honorably discharged from 101st Airborne Division where he served during Vietnam between Oct. 12, 1966 and Sept. 26, 1968. Leo received a Vietnam service medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam campaign medal and gallantry cross.

He was a member of AA, the Disabled American Veterans and donated monthly to the Humane Society, UNICEF, St. Jude’s Hospital and The Wounded Warrior Project. Leo could also be found volunteering at the local homeless shelter, serving holiday dinners; his family seldom saw him during the holidays because he loved doing this.

Leo also enjoyed surprising his nieces and family members with financial help, readily paying for books and other needs and had a hard time accepting any thanks for his generosity.

He enjoyed sports of all kinds, watching daily on television; he loved the Patriots, Celtic and N.Y. Yankees. Leo’s favorite times included his childhood in Cornish, which included playing at the river, his tree house and sliding down the gravel pit. As a young man, he cherished his time in Colorado with his friends and lately greatly enjoyed being nestled in front his TV watching sports.

He is survived by his aunt; his four sisters, Sharon Mallar of Auburn, Theresa Scott of Indianapolis, Ind., Mary Jackson of Winthrop and Louella Madden of Leesburg, Fla.; his brother, John Albert of Hiram; and a son, Eric Grenier, who lives in the Midwest. He also leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Per Leo’s request, there will be no funeral service. The family simply asks that everyone remember their own happy times and laughter with Leo; remember his generosity and care during his life and reach out to your charities and give to your community, always being reminded of his commitment.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Leo’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.

YARMOUTH — Bruno R. Bertelli, 98, of Denmark, died Saturday, October 1, 2016. He didn’t quite reach his goal of making it to 100, but turning 98 last January, he came close.

Born into a family of Italian immigrants from Bologna, Italy, who settled in Somerville, Mass., he was the youngest of six children.

After graduating from Somerville High School, where he was active in theater, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. From there, he enlisted in the Army, serving in both the Philippines in World War II and the Korean War. He eventually retired at the rank of Colonel after 37 years in the National Guard.

Bruno met and married Norma, from Revere, Mass., after the war in 1947. They raised their three children, Donna Marie Tyrrell Ferragut (husband Ted), Paul Vincent (wife Jillian), and Susan Adele Carkeek (husband Kelly) in Tewksbury, Mass. They relocated to their dream home, a log cabin designed by Paul, in Denmark, Maine in 1974.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Lilia and his siblings, Natalie, Ada, Elsa, Cesar (“Bibby”), and Guido (“Bill”), and his devoted wife, Norma Louise Phillips.

He is survived by his three children; and also by many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bruno loved his cozy cabin on Moose Pond, and was able to live out his days there with the tender loving care of an amazing team of caregivers. The family wishes to thank Rick, Eileen, Lynzee, Sandy, Renata, Leslie, Sally and Rich for making that possible. Mostly, a huge debt of gratitude is owed to Marilyn, the leader of the gang. They made it possible for him to spend his days doing what he enjoyed — singing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and singing some more. He also found joy at the Saturday evening mass at St. Joseph Church and in monthly luncheons with the senior citizens. Sincere appreciation is also due to the caring staff at Androscoggin and Beacon Hospice and to those at Coastal Manor in Yarmouth for making his final days filled with love and tenderness.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Church in Bridgton, on Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. A military burial will follow at 1 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2016, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton, Maine. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

WEST VIRGINIA — Kevin Allan Hornstra, 57, formerly of Bridgton, Maine, died suddenly on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, doing what he loved to do most, trucking across country.

Born Sept. 28 1959. Kevin is survived by his loving children, Keegan Hornstra of New Hampshire, Brittany Kelly of West Virginia, Sean Hornstra of West Virginia and Eric Hornstra of Colorado. He also leaves behind his three sisters, Kimberlee Beaulieu of Florida, Kristan Regan of Connecticut and Kellee Young of Ohio; and his father Allan Hornstra of Massachusetts.

Kevin had a zest for life and loved his family deeply, and nothing meant more to him. He lived life on his terms and will be missed on a daily basis.

Kevin will be memorialized on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7100 Ulmerton Rd., Largo, Florida, at the Coral at Ranchero Village, at 1 p.m. in the afternoon. Memorial gifts should be made to the America Heart Association.

Gary Somers

NORWAY — Gary Paul Somers, 86, of Norway, passed away of sudden cardiac arrest on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. He loved life, but would be grateful for such a merciful ending.

He was born in Ipswich, Mass., on Oct. 26, 1929, at the dawn of the Great Depression, to Henry and Winifred Somers. He often remarked how the W.P.A. promoted by then-president Franklin Delano Roosevelt saved his father’s livelihood and the family. As an enterprising 14-year-old, Gary bagged groceries when labor laws were relaxed owing to the fact that so many young men had gone off to World War II. He fetched hot dogs and Cokes for GIs on Crane’s Beach, who were deployed to look out for German submarines. Gary was an altar boy at his local Catholic Church, whose priest, Father Burns, imbued in him a strong sense of responsibility to look after those less fortunate. Perhaps because of these life lessons, right up until the time of his death, Gary donated to causes that provided warm clothing and food to those without. He excelled as a student, graduating with honors from Ipswich High School in 1947. Gary was offered an athletic scholarship to Temple University in Philadelphia where he played college football. Later, he played a summer in the semi-pro league for Newburyport, Mass. He graduated with a bachelor’s of arts degree in French from Bates College in 1952, where he met and married Norma Chaffee Somers, his wife of 26 years and the mother of his four children. Gary later married Brenda Roberts of Norway with whom he raised her two children. They were married for 31 years, until Brenda’s untimely death of cancer in 2011.

Gary was a fervent advocate of the Oxford Hills community, inspired by the natural beauty of Maine and the strong and honest work ethic of the people. He opened an electronics manufacturing plant in Norway, Maine, in 1967, locating the company temporarily upstairs in the Norway Opera House before implementing a modern assembly facility. He eventually merged his company with the Bridgton-based Howell Laboratories from where he retired as its vice president in 2000. He served on the Oxford Hills School Board for two terms while School Administrative District 17 was in formation. Gary was a stalwart supporter of high school sports, cultural and musical activities, and, most importantly, quality education for all. In his later years, he devotedly served on the board of directors of the Oxford Hills Vocational Technical School, alongside his friend and colleague, Don Gouin. His desire was to help Oxford Hills’ students prepare to enter the workforce of the 21st century.

Gary was the beneficiary of an enlightened liberal arts education. He started his career after Bates as a teacher at Admiral Billard Academy in Connecticut, which he found to be an unsatisfying profession. Next, he joined a division of the Columbia Broadcasting System, CBS-Hytron, where he developed a passion for electronics manufacturing.

He then spent several years at Raytheon in Massachusetts during the height of the Cold War developing solid-state electronic components for missiles, but he preferred more freedom and less bureaucracy, which was offered by his eventual employer, National Radio Company. It was National Radio, which gave Gary the opportunity to open a subsidiary in western Maine, which pioneered and perfected the development of a powerful, all-transistor HRO 500 HAM radio. He eventually acquired this business from National Radio, forming Oxford Electronics Industries, before merging with Howell Laboratories.

Gary enjoyed being with family and friends — and mostly outdoors — whether outfitting and teaching the kids how to ski, setting the pace with his wife Norma canoeing across South Branch Pond or climbing the Abol Trail on Mt. Katahdin or exploring Prince Edward Island and Quebec City with his wife Brenda and the children. He loved camping, teaching all the kids how to use an axe, sharpen a knife, and start a safe fire, and he delighted in the opportunity to practice his college French in the small towns of New Brunswick, on the Gaspe Peninsula, or in Lewiston, where, he fondly recalled, he was treated with such kindness as a struggling student. He told of a great sailing adventure he shared with dear friends Bill Detert and Roland Sutton, when he signed on as a crewmember with them to sail a yacht from Florida to Boothbay. But most special in the last half of his life was his time with Brenda, whether exploring faraway places or weeding in the backyard garden. He often repeated a story about a trip he and Brenda had taken to Yorkshire, where their hosts at a family-owned B&B made every effort to show the American couple the generosity and beauty of England. This had touched them. His last desire was to visit Provence in France, but, alas, this never happened. Carpe Diem, he would say! Enjoying the family, gardening, and travel for Gary were the happy illuminations, which enriched his life, as did books. He was an avid reader.

Gary was predeceased by his siblings, brothers Chick and Pete, and sister Connie.

He leaves behind an extended family: his stepbrother Barry Ewing; his sons David Ron and Phil, and daughter Anne; stepdaughter Lisa and stepson Scott; beloved seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Gary loved this family. He will be deeply missed.

A graveside interment is planned for members of the family and an open house for friends will be announced as the weather chills and the fall colors blaze orange and gold.

Condolences can be sent to: www.chandlerfunerals.com