CASCO — Cecil "Cec" McAllister, 91 of Poland Spring Rd. passed away Saturday afternoon at the Bridgton Hospital with his family by his side.
Cecil was a true Mainer, born and raised in Casco by his parents Herbert C. and Mae Barton McAllister. Cec enlisted in the US Army on March 9, 1942. In August of 1942 he left for military duty serving in England, France, Low Lands & Germany. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 and remained in the Army Reserve until retirement. Cecil was employed by the State of Maine Inland Fisheries from 1946–1976. Upon retirement he moved back to Casco and built his home on a section of property on the family farm, where he often shared a Saturday night eating beans and brown bread with family and friends. Cec served on numerous boards and committees in Casco including the Conservation Committee and the Board of Trustees of the Casco Library.
Cecil was loved by family, friends as well as the community of Casco. He had many hobbies and talents. He loved to fish, hunt, trap, write poetry, read and share many tales of Maine and New England. Cecil enjoyed taking trips with his buddies and was never too busy to lend a hand, make furniture or snowshoes, or to pick a bouquet of Mayflowers. He once whittled a loon for his neighbor who was recognized for her 90th birthday.
Cec was predeceased by his wife Roberta (Sawyer) McAllister in 1998; his brother Urban McAllister and his sister Marie Strout. Surviving are four daughters, Whinney Crandall and her husband Vaughan of Saco, Suzanna Kenline of Wheaton, Illinois, Dianna Hunter and her husband Roger of Durham & Tarpon Springs, Fla., Norma Landrum and her husband Patrick of Portland. Along with many grandchildren he leaves a niece, Lillian LeGasse of Wells, and nephew Raymond McAllister of Oxford. Cec also leaves his dear friend and companion Anne Gilman and her family.
Upon his request, there will be no visiting hours. There will be a memorial service at the Casco Village Church in early May. A scholarship fund in his name will be set up at a later date. Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home, Casco. Friends may leave on-line condolences to Cecil's family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com.
Mrs. Jean (Finn) Levitan, age 79, of Westborough, Mass., formerly of Newton, Mass., Bonita Springs, Fla., and Bridgton, died on Thursday, January 29, 2009, after a prolonged illness with emphysema.
Loving wife of the late Walter Levitan and mother of Nancy (Feinstein) Cummings of Framingham, Mass. and the late Barbara Benjamin; stepmother of Jeffrey Levitan of Laconia, N.H. and Neal Levitan of Cambridge, Mass.
A Graveside Service was held at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, Mass. on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009.
Donations may be made to the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037.
Arrangements by Levine Chapels, Brookline, Mass., (617) 277-8300.
Gwendoline D. Seymour died at home on Jan. 30, 2009, following a brief illness, four weeks to the day after the death of her husband Maurice. They had been married for 70 years and were true soul mates. Gwen was born on Dec.7, 1920 in London, England.
Gwen was the center of her family's life. She was predeceased by a son Malcolm, and survived by her daughter Gloria Morris and her husband Philip. She had five grandchildren: Christie Flaherty, Lisa Boyt, Victoria Morris, Kathryn Seymour, and Christopher Seymour. Gwen also had seven great-grandchildren: Patrick, Coady, and Ryan Flaherty, Chelsea Flavin, Alexa and Austin Boyt, and Samara Morris.
A private memorial service celebrating the life of both Gwen and Maurice will be held within the next few weeks. The family wishes to thank Beacon Hospice for their loving support during Gwen's illness.
DENMARK Franklin Arthur Bucknell, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 27, 2009, at Bridgton Hospital.
Born on July 5, 1933, he was the oldest son of Mary Ridlon and Arthur Bucknell. Frank attended Denmark schools and graduated from Denmark High School in 1951. After high school, Frank attended the University of Maine at Orono, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and graduated 1955, after which he served two years in the U.S. Army. Frank was employed by Eastern States/Agway from 1957 to 1966, at which time he moved back to Denmark. With his brother Roger, he purchased the family business, Bucknell Farm, from their father. A family-run business since 1930, Bucknell Farm was known famously for its fresh produce and, primarily, as a pick-your-own strawberry farm. Frank and Roger ran Bucknell Farm until 1999. After retiring from the strawberry business, Frank continued working in forestry and logging until the time of his death. Never wanting to have too much free time, Frank always had a large garden, sharing the wealth from it, and his maple syrup production, with family and friends. Frank’s favorite place the was outdoors. He enjoyed camping and fishing and feeding deer, wild turkeys and birds in the winter. He was extremely detailed-oriented and enjoyed history. Many family vacations were spent camping and visiting historical sites and museums through the United States and Canada. After retiring from the farm, Frank fulfilled a life-long dream and made two separate trips to Alaska with his brother Richard. Though often stoic, Frank had a dry sense of humor and was a kind and generous person. He was a mentor to many, a faithful friend, honest and fair, and always willing to help others without recognition. Frank was a organ donor, so he will continue to give to others. Frank served with dedication on several committees in Denmark, as well as the Saco River Corridor Commission. He was a 50-year member of Meridian Splendor Lodge, AF & AM.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, and his first wife, Margaret Gilbert.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bertha Bucknell of Denmark; daughters, Sherry Johnson of Charlotte, N.C., and Kristen Crean of Portland; sister Elizabeth of Denmark; brother Roger of Denmark; sister Francis of Mechanic Falls; brother Richard of Denmark; three grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visiting hours were Friday, Jan. 30, at Wood Funeral Home in Fryeburg. A funeral was held Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Denmark Congregational Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive #100, Arlington, VA 22203.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Faith Ellen McCatherin, 83, of Jacksonville, Fla., and formerly of Falmouth and Yarmouth, passed peacefully on Jan. 28, 2009 with loving family members at her side.
Faith was born in Newark, N.J. in 1925, the child of Clarence and Gladys Goldrup James, and grew up in Yarmouth with her five siblings. A 1944 graduate of North Yarmouth Academy, she attended Boston's Vesper-George School of Art before starting her family with the love of her life, Charles A. McCatherin. Faith was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. She was a talented artist and chef with a passion for gardening. Whether weeding her enormous vegetable garden, knitting and sewing clothing for her family or creating fabulous meals from almost nothing, Faith had an exceptional work ethic, and her macaroni and cheese was second to none. An avid reader in her spare time, she gave to her children her love of books, a questioning spirit, and a wry sense of humor. Quietly feisty to the end, she was absolutely delighted by the election of President Barack Obama. A widow at the young age of 44 and mother of five children, Faith enjoyed a long career with Shaw’s Supermarket in Falmouth where she inspired her customers and co-workers alike.
She was predeceased by her parents; loving husband Charlie; sister Hope, and brother Clarence.
Surviving her are sisters Charity Dunham and Arline Wilkinson; daughters Andrea Sawyer of Casco, Laurie Myrbeck of Gardiner, Ellen Tarulli of Jacksonville, Fla., Jamie Bruno of Grove City, Fla., and son Chuck McCatherin of Falmouth; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
As a tribute to Faith’s long and full life, please do something especially kind for someone around you. A family celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2009; details will be forthcoming.
BUXTON — Edwin “Eddie” O. Thompson Jr., 56, of Buxton and formerly of South Portland, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough following a brief illness.
He was born in Portland on Feb. 13, 1952, the son of Edwin and Mabel Mahoney Thompson and was a graduate of South Portland High School, Class of 1970. Following high school, he served four years with the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter mechanic. After his return from the service, he worked for Willard-Daggett Fish Company in Portland for 15 years, working his way up from a fish cutter to a supervisor. Up until the beginning of his illness in December of 2008, Ed had worked for the past 16 years with the sanitation department for the city of Portland. There he was known for his strong work ethic and bright smile. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and old cars, and was known by family and friends as the “all around handyman,” always willing to offer a helping hand. A loving family man, Eddie enjoyed reminiscing and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Cash Thompson of Buxton, whom he married April 18, 1980; his mother and father, Edwin and Mabel Thompson of South Portland; one daughter, Hope Chancey of Gray; two brothers, Thomas of Sebago and Paul of South Paris; four sisters, Sandra Leo, Paula Coyne and Claudia Silke, all of South Portland, and Peggy Jo Dewar of Intervale, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Independent Death Care Memorial Chapel at 471 Deering Avenue, in Portland. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Forest City Cemetery in South Portland at a later date.
You are invited to share memories, offer words of condolence to the family and sign a guest book, at the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made either to: The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074, or The Animal Refuge League, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04092.
SEBAGO — Donald Elliott Allen, 75, of Sebago passed away Monday after a brief illness, surrounded by his wife and children.
He grew up in Falmouth, the son of William and Bernice Cushing Allen, and graduated from Falmouth High School in 1952. He attended Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute before entering the U.S. Air Force and is a Korean War veteran. Donald married June Douglass in 1958. They purchased a farm on the Hancock Pond Road in Sebago, where they have made their home ever since. He worked for the Southworth Machine Company in Portland for 33 years, becoming manufacturing manager. He later worked for EDM of Westbrook until retiring in 1999.
Donald was a brother of the Greenleaf Lodge A.F. and A.M. No. 117 in Cornish and also was a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a Golden Sheaf member of Maple Grove Grange No. 148 and became a National Grange member in 1956. Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, often times at his camp in Sandy River Plantation. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and snowmobiling.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother, William H. Allen.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, June Allen, of Sebago; two children, Timothy Allen of South Berwick and Donelle Allen of Sebago; three grandsons and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Dolby and Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham. A graveside service will be held at Babb Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donald’s memory to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route One, #1, Scarborough, ME 04074.
PORTLAND — Charles T. Seidel, O.D., 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at Maine Medical Center after a long illness. He was surrounded by loving family members, including his wife, Dorothy (Dawson), who he married in 1951.
A life-long resident of Portland and summer resident of Pine Point, Scarborough, Charles was fully engaged in life, people and his favorite activities right up to the time of his death. He will be remembered for his gentle nature, quick wit and playful sense of humor. Charles was born in Portland on Oct. 26, 1922, to Dr. John C. Seidel and Mabel Foster Seidel. He graduated from Cheverus High School and Massachusetts College of Optometry, cum laude. Charles was also a veteran of World War II, having served in the China-Burma-India theatre. After his military service, Charles returned to Portland to open an optometry practice. His brother, Robert E. Seidel, later joined the practice, which expanded to include branch offices in Bridgton and Fryeburg. Charles told family members that he was initially drawn to optometry when, as a young boy, he was walking home through Deering Oaks Park wearing his first pair of glasses. Seeing the leaves on the trees so clearly made a strong impression on him. In addition to life memberships in the Maine and American optometric associations, Charles was also a past grand knight and lifelong member of the Msgr. Houlihan Knights of Columbus Council. He was currently serving as a member of the resident council of The Park Danforth Association. He and his wife, Dorothy, most recently lived at the senior community in Portland. An avid tennis player, Charles enjoyed playing locally and also on Marco Island, Fla., while vacationing with his wife. The pinnacle of his tennis-playing occurred during a local benefit tournament when prominent tennis professional, John McEnroe, served as Charles’ doubles partner. Charles was also a tennis medalist in the Maine Senior Olympics. During summers at Pine Point, he often rounded up recruits for tennis matches, which were followed by group breakfast. Charles was a life-long chess enthusiast and a member of the Saco-Biddeford Chess Club, playing on its team that won the state championship. In recent years, he took up stained glasswork and created many treasured pieces for family and friends.
Charles was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Dorothy Jeanne Sarafian; and his brother, Robert E. Seidel.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy Dawson Seidel; he is survived by his four daughters, Kathleen Seidel of Newburyport Mass., Joan Seidel of Chelsea, Mass., Carol Rocchini of Cranford, N.J., and Nancy Melrose of Lyndeborough, N.H.; his brothers, John H. Seidel of Scarborough and William G. Seidel of Portland; nine grandchildren as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. Joseph’s Church in Portland. There will be no visiting hours, and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ name may be made to a charity of your choice.
Jane Gleick Komer, 82, formerly of Bridgton, died Jan. 24, 2009 in McLean, Va.
She was born Sept. 9, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri. Jane grew up in St. Louis. As a teenager, Jane attended summer camp on Bear Pond. She made life-long friends there and loved it so much that she returned to settle in Maine later in life. Jane lived in Bridgton for almost 40 years. She was an active member of the state and local Democratic organizations and volunteered at the hospital coffee shop for many years as a member of the Bridgton Hospital Guild. Jane’s son Richard now owns a property on Moose Pond, where Jane’s descendants and relatives enjoy the Maine life that Jane loved.
In addition to Richard, Jane is survived by her son Douglas Komer of Annandale, Va., and her daughter Anne Komer of Sausalito, Calif., as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
At Jane’s request, no memorial service is planned.
SCARBOROUGH Joseph Kenney, 97, a longtime resident of Framingham, Mass., Holliston, Mass. and Hanson, Mass., most recently living in Scarborough, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland due to kidney failure.
Mr. Kenney was a longtime businessman and loving father. In his career, he worked for the War Department, Walter Baker and General Foods where, through his work, met life-long friends and traveling companions Bill and Deliah Matthews. The highlight was going to Ireland, a dream for Joe and Kay to experience. A retired employee of Dennison Manufacturing Company in Framingham, Mass., Joe was an active stock trader and loved to play the market. In recent years, he and his wife Catherine had moved in with his son and daughter-in-law in Scarborough.
Joe was predeceased by his loving wife, Catherine (Denny) Kenney.
Mr. Kenney leaves three children, John Kenney of Scarborough, Karen McGrath of Fryeburg, and Kevin Kenney of Stuart, Fla.; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Natick Mass., Friday, Feb. 6, at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Holliston, Mass. A period of visitation will be held prior to the Mass Friday morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m. in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., at Natick Common, Natick, Mass.
SCARBOROUGH Herbert Herbie Campbell Jr., 52, passed away on the afternoon of Jan. 27, 2009, at The Pine Point Nursing Home in Scarborough, after battling several debilitating illnesses over an extended period of time.
Herbie was born in Rockland, where he attended local schools and spent the majority of his working life in Portland as a dishwasher, most often at DiMillo’s Restaurant and The Sportsman’s Club. Most recently, Herbie resided at “The Farm” in West Baldwin, where he received supports provided by Gaia Enterprises, a well established and widely respected agency that provides assistance to people with Developmental Disabilities.
Herbie was a highly regarded contributor to the operation of the farm in many ways and was most proud of his capacity as transportation assistant.
Herbie was a wonderfully exuberant individual who endeared himself to all with whom he came into contact. He amassed an astonishing amount of friends throughout his life and was able to maintain a positive and infectious demeanor at all times, including the last few hours of his life.
Herbie is survived by three brothers, Donny Campbell of Rockland, David Campbell of Portland, Morris Campbell of Rockland; a sister, Gloria of Cushing.
A 1 p.m. graveside service took place on Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Ave., Portland. Arrangements respectfully handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctctawford.com
HARRISON Guy A. Campbell, 86, passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2009.
He was born in Lewiston, on Feb. 17, 1922, the only child of John Z. and Sara B. Campbell. He attended Bates College, then joined the U.S. Army in 1942, and served with the Tenth Armored Division in World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge. He married his sweetheart, Irene Billings, in 1943 and resided for 30 years on Montello Street in Lewiston in a house of his own design, built entirely from concrete. He was involved in Cub Scouts with his four sons, acting as Cub Master of Pack 115 in Lewiston for many years. He moved to Norway in 1979, and was a driving force in the Norway Historical Society alongside his wife, until her passing in 2002.
He is survived by his four sons, Jeffery and Gary of Lewiston, John of Harrison and David of Florida; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Irene B.; and a grandson.
At the request of Mr. Campbell, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of Weston-Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.westonchandler.com
WEST FRYEBURG William E. Shaw, 84, of West Fryeburg Road, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 at the Fryeburg Health Care Center.
He was born in Lovell, a son of Fred and Florence Emery Shaw and attended Fryeburg schools graduating from Fryeburg Academy in 1942. He was a U.S. Army Veteran during WW II. After his discharge from the army, William worked with his father on the family farm until his father’s death in 1965. Then, he continued to run the farm by himself until the early 70s when it was sold. He then worked for Bob Hill on his dairy farm until that was sold; then worked for Billy Robbins doing masonry and carpentry until his retirement. After he retired, he enjoyed cutting wood and on warm days would sit in his chair on his porch or take long rides in his truck.
He is survived by one nephew, William R. Jordan of West Fryeburg; one great-nephew and several cousins.
At William’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg.
SOUTH WATERFORD — Thelma Christine Dadmun, 79, of East Stoneham, died peacefully on Jan. 27, 2009 after a short illness.
She was being cared for by her sister, and friend Ernie at their home on the Blackguard Road.
She was born Sept. 1, 1929, in Sweden, daughter of Clayton and Christine (Fox) Tower. She attended local schools and went to work at a young age.
She lived with the Edwards family at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, where she was like one of the family. She helped Jean take care of her two children and all of the pets. They remained a part of her family throughout her life. She met a doctor and his wife there and went to Pennsylvania with them and worked as a nanny. She remained there for a few years doing cleaning and waitressing. She met her first husband, Gabriel Konze, there. After his death, Thelma returned home to Maine. A few years later, she met and married Osmond “Aussie” Dadmun. After his death, she remained here and continued cleaning and spending time with her family, especially her cousin, Erleen Blake. They loved going to yard sales together. Thelma enjoyed flowers and planted a lot of them. She also loved music and dancing, taking lessons in both.
Besides her parents and her two husbands, she was predeceased by a sister, Eva Newcomb, and a niece.
Surviving are a daughter, Dottie Springer of Gorham; a grandson, a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter; four sisters, Alice Brown, Edith Kimball, Janet Whittier, and Irene Tower; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a memorial service in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 25 Hospital Drive, Bridgton, ME. 04009. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Cornish.
RAYMOND — Louis A. Iovino Jr., 74, of Mill Street, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at a Biddeford hospital.
Born in Westbury, N.Y., he was a son of Louis A. Iovino Sr. and Angelina Cantalupo Iovino. He was a 1954 graduate of Westbury (N.Y.) High School. For over 50 years, Mr. Iovino was a contractor and worked in building supply in New York and Florida. After retirement he worked for Home Depot and JMC Self Storage, both in Windham. He had served in the Marine Corps Reserve and the U.S. Army. He was an active member and officer in the Windham-Gorham Rod and Gun Club. He was heavily involved in owning and breeding German Short Hair Pointers, was an avid hunter and had been a longtime member of the Masons.
Surviving him are his son, Robert E. Iovino of Raymond; and a niece.
A memorial service and interment will be held in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Windham. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: GSP Rescue New England, P.O. Box 131, Tewksbury, MA 01876 or visit the Web site at gsprescuene.org
WENHAM, MASS. — Kenneth R. Butterworth, 88, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at Beverly Hospital.
e was the son of the late John and Maude (Reid) Butterworth, born and raised in Beverly. He lived in Wenham the past 60 years. He was the husband of Hazel L. (Carr) Butterworth.
Mr. Butterworth attended Beverly schools and was a graduate of Beverly High School. After finishing his education at Beverly Trade School he started his career of 45 years at the former United Shoe Machine Corporation. A United States Navy Veteran of World War II, he joined the Navy in 1942 for a four-year hitch; he served aboard the USS Charles Carrol, a troop transport ship. He later transferred to the USS Thrush, a seaplane tender out of Panama and South America, and finished his military career at Melbourne, Fla. He later married Hazel Carr in 1948 and built their Wenham home, where they have lived ever since. They enjoyed camping together and later bought Tall Pines Cottages in Naples with his brother John; where they rented out cottages for 37 years. He was a member of Liberty Lodge, A.F.& A.M, and had recently received his 50-year medal from the Fraternity. He was also a member of the United Shoe Machine Corporation Quarter Century Club.
Surviving him in addition to his wife are his two sons, Kenneth A. Butterworth of Westbrook, Conn., and Gary A. Butterworth of Wenham, Mass.; his four grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, John Butterworth.
Funeral Services were held at the First Church in Wenham on Tuesday. Contributions may be made in Kenneth’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.