OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 30, 2025

ROBERT E. KNOWLES

UNITY – Robert “Bob” Elwood Knowles, 90, passed peacefully at his home in Unity, Saturday January 11, 2025. Bob was born in Winslow, on April 15, 1934, to Marian (Booker) and Guy Elwood “Ed” Knowles.

At a young age, Bob and his brother moved to Hartland to be raised by their grandparents. He attended Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield and was a proud MCI alum, graduating with the class of 1952. In 2022, Bob was inducted into the MCI Hall of Fame.

With the guidance of his mentor, Dr Paul Briggs, Bob attended Johns Hopkins School of X-Ray in Baltimore, Maryland. After completing his program at Johns Hopkins, he served in the U.S. Army. He then returned to Hartland where he operated the Blue Moon Roller Rink.

In 1960 he married Rae Jean, his wife of 60 years. That same year they took over the operation of Unity Raceway, thus began his first career, a 20-year endeavor promoting Unity Raceway, Spud Speedway and Speedway 95. Bob was inducted into the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2008 and in 2021, because of his efforts, the Knowles family was the first recipient of the Bob Morris Legacy award recognizing their contributions to motorsports in Maine.

In 1971 Bob founded Maine X-Ray which grew to serve the imaging needs of all the New England States. In 1981 he and Rae Jean along with two special brothers, Gary and Rich Donoghue, founded White Mountain Imaging which continues operations today.

Bob and Rae Jean purchased their first property in Southwest, Florida, in 1977, which began a life long love of Marco Island, Florida. They watched the island grow and change through the decades. In 1988 they became members of Hideaway Beach. After selling Maine X-Ray, Bob realized that retirement was not for him. This led to his last career which earned him the name “Bob the Builder.” His last spec house was completed in 2023 at the age of 89.

Bob served on the board of X-ray Marketing Associates (XMA) and on the board of Independent X-ray Dealers Association (IX-rda). In 1994, he was awarded the IX-rda E.G. Baldwin award in honor of his leadership, generous support and dedicated service to the X-ray industry.

He was also a founding director of Merrill Bank and served on the board of GAC Chemical Corporation in Searsport.

Bob was a member of the Star of the West Masonic Lodge #85 in Unity and a member of the Anah Temple for over 50 years, as well as a member of the Royal Order of Jesters CT #150 in Bangor.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Ginger (Charles) Russell, of Naples, Florida; granddaughter, Amy (Michael) Starbird, of Unity; great-grandson, Randall Starbird, of Grand Forks, North Dakota/Unity; sister, Therese Houston, of Villa Park, California; and several nieces, nephews; and cousins.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Rae Jean; parents, Marian and Ed Knowles; brother, Wayne Knowles, sister and brother-in-law, Jane and John Bickford, brother-in-law, Rogen Randlett, brother-in-law, Bernard Houston; son-in-law, Randall McPherson; and his best friend, James Langan.

A celebration of life will be held a date to be announced.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Maine Central Institute, 295 Main St., Pittsfield, ME 04967 or Shrine Hospital for Children New England, c/o Anah Shrine, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401.

HOLLY BOLDUC

ROME – Holly Bolduc, 40, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, after losing her courageous battle with terminal cancer. There will be no services at this time. A gathering for family and friends will be planned for this summer.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.aablecremationservice.com. Please visit the website to read Holley’s full obituary.

LEVERNA B. HANNON

AUGUSTA—Leverna Bee Hannon, 72, passed away at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, on Monday, January 13, 2025. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 3, 1952, a daughter of Louise (Deringer) and Charles Gerkin, Sr.

Leverna, known to many as her middle name “Bee” grew up in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and graduated in 1970 from Severna High School. She met her future husband, Dean R. Hannon Sr., while he was stationed at Fort Mead, Maryland. The two married on March 16, 1971, and eventually moved to Liberty, where they started their life and family. Bee and Dean raised their children on their small farm. She was an animal lover, enjoyed riding their horses and tending to their animals. Bee was a devoted and supportive mother, attending all her children’s events. Following her children’s schooling, Bee worked at MBNA, in Belfast, for 10 years and continued to be involved in her community.

Bee will be remembered for her caring and loving nature, honesty, and genuine care for others. Bee volunteered at the community center in Liberty and assisted in putting on many benefit events for those in need.

Bee loved bingo, playing cards on Thursday nights, and going to the casino with her moose hunting with her late husband, taking family road trips back to Maryland, making toys and doing crafts, taking her dog Katie on rides, and spoiling her ‘grand dog’ Copper.

She was predeceased by her parents, and her siblings, Gloria Trapp, Mary Jane Barlock, Severna Lee Dermota (Bee’s twin), and Johnny Gerkin.

Bee is survived by her children: Tammy Johnston and her partner Miles Whitlock, and Dean R. Hannon II; grandchildren: Christopher Hannon, Zachary Hannon, Nicholas Hannon, and Danika Lynn Neptune; and her siblings, Charles Gerkin Jr. and his wife Eileen, Darlene Call and her husband George, and Helena Davies and her husband Thomas.

A period of visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330 where a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. The burial will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bee’s name may be made to: Maine Veterans Home, 35 Heroes Way, Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

JAMES H. MANSON

CANAAN – James Howard Manson, 79, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025. Jim was born in Pittsfield on April 29, 1945.

He lived in Canaan and Fairfield as well as Connecticut and Florida. He graduated in 1963 from Clinton High School, was a Mason most of his adult life, and made his living as a short- and long-haul truck driver.

His summers were spent surrounded by family, camping, fishing, boating, tending the smoker or grill…and creating memorable batches of homemade ice cream. He was braver than any of his grandchildren and most of his adult children when it came to amusement park rides. The scarier the better.

When he wasn’t outdoors, surrounded by family, or navigating a tractor trailer, he loved card games and spent many an afternoon whipping someone’s behind at Cribbage. When he wasn’t playing a game, he was watching one; rooting for one of his favorite football teams, the New England Patriots, and later, The Tamp Bay Buccaneers.

He had a sharp wit, and if he liked you, there was a good reason and you could take some comfort in that.

Upon retiring, he and Betty moved to Florida for a few years to enjoy year-round warmth. But as the great-grandchildren started coming, Jim and Betty were drawn back home to Maine to create new chapters in their lives and the lives of their growing family.

A private service for immediate family only will be held in the spring.

Jim was predeceased by son Timothy Manson and daughter Dawn Manson, brothers Robert and Ronald, sister Jean Goodridge.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children Deb LaVoie, of Winslow, (and husband Ken), Cherie West, of Skowhegan, (and husband Rick), April Nichols, of Hartland (and husband Roland), David Rumery, of Eliot (and wife Julie), Michael Rumery, of Waterville, and Cheryl Weymouth, of Florida (and husband Mark); nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Doug Manson and wife Carmen, of Florida, and Gary Manson, of Skowhegan.

FREEMAN R. ROWE

BELGRADE – Freeman Robert “Bob” Rowe, 89, died on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at his home in Belgrade. Born March 15, 1935, in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, to Freeman L. and Augusta Barlett Davis Rowe, Bob moved with his family to Belgrade the following year.

While in high school, Bob started his own haying and farming business, working on various farms in the area. He was successful enough to hire two classmates to work with him.

Graduating from Belgrade High School in 1958, Bob was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army. He returned to the area in 1960 where he married Charlene Mittie Cunningham. Soon thereafter, the two of them began building the home where Bob would live for the rest of his life. Another theme in Bob’s adult life was how much he enjoyed the adventures of traveling. He and Charlene visited the World’s Fair, in New York, traveled to Newfoundland and Labrador to attend their music festival, and could be found heading off in their homemade truck camper to explore new or familiar destinations. When at home, they loved raising sheep and maple sugaring. Charlene died in 1985.

In 1987, Bob married his childhood friend, Mary Tilton Rowe. His family was further expanded by her three boys Craig (Mora, Alana, Ian), David (Ashley, Loren, Morgan, David), James; as well as sister-in- law Karen and nieces Beth (Jeff – Emily, Rachel), Barbara (Jeremy – Sam, Jack, Tim), Nicole (Darren – Vanessa, Hailey, Asher, Ainsley); great-grandchildren, Vera, Milo, Sutton, Briar.

Bob was a caregiver for many throughout his lifetime as well as a lifelong member of the Masons and Kora Shriners (he loved being a go cart driver!).

During these years, he worked for Peachtree construction, with his dad, the State of Maine, and Hammond Lumber Co.

During their life together, before she died in 2007, they expanded the original home to include a second floor, and a great room designed for large family gatherings and celebrations. They also hit the road to Alaska as well as traveling to Ireland and across the U.S.

In 2013, Bob met Beverly Abbott, and they were married in 2015 at the Rowe homestead. They loved to travel in their motor home, driving from Maine to California, the southern states, and, of course, a favorite stop in Sedona, Arizona. Closer to home, Schoodic Point was an annual destination. In his expanding family, he quickly became “Bob” to Bev’s three children, David (Lisa), Sheila, Kim (Tommy); four grandchildren Chris (Lexi), Matt (Angela), Kristie (Zach), Brandon (Shelby): seven great-grandchildren, James, Jace, Sam, Malcolm, Barrett, Caroline, and Britton.

A celebration of life service took place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, at 1 Church Street, Augusta, Maine.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church Street, Augusta, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, all are asked to send a donation to the Nancy Shuman Animal Shelter, 168 Leighton Rd., Augusta,ME 04330.

ROGER E. ICENOGLE

WINSLOW – Roger Ernest Icenogle, 80, of Winslow, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Roger was born September 20, 1944, and grew up in Colchester, Illinois, the son of Clement Icenogle and Eleanor Grandt Icenogle.

He graduated from Colchester High School in 1962 and joined the United States Air Force that same year.

Roger met Judy Culpovich in January 1966. They married on August 20, 1966, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. They shared 58 years together, and were blessed with three children, Beth, Norman, and John, as well as their seven grandchildren, Dan, Chris, Alyssa, Holly, Steven, Jason, and Lauren Schoeller.

Roger worked as a truck driver at Sanborn Trucking for many years. He especially loved fishing, hunting, boating, camping, watching the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, and spending time with his family.

Roger is survived by his wife Judy; their children; grandchildren; his sister Carol Icenogle Ashbacher; and several nieces, nephews; in-laws.

Preceding Roger in death were his parents; four brothers, David, Robert, Paul, and Alan; nephews, Christopher Kennedy, James Culpovich, Richard Ashbacher; and grandson Dan Schoeller.

Family and Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to noon, on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. Procession following to the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine.

An online guestbook may be signed condolences and memory shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

CARMEN REYNOLDS

WINSLOW – Carmen Reynolds passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 21 2025. She was born in Madawaska in 1953.

Known as the baby of the family. When she was old enough, she spent summers picking potatoes, as most did if you were from “The County”. After graduating high school she relocated to Waterville to pursue an interest in becoming a medical assistant. A wife to Bruce Reynolds for 52 years. A mother to Stacey Reynolds. She was an employee of Caswell’s, in Waterville, for many years, then office manager and sales associate for Floormaster North, in Skowhegan, for 44 years. She enjoyed making her famous zucchini relish and pickles with her daughter.

She also leaves behind a sister, Marie, of Pennsylvania; a brothers Ronald, of Connecticut, Conrad and Wilfred, both of Maine; brothers-in-law Geoffrey and his wife Cathy who she worked with at Floormaster North, Tim and his wife Vicky, Nelson and Peter, all of Winslow; sisters-in-law, Esther and her husband Roland Cayouette. Marilyn, Effie, Pauline, of Winslow, Cheryl, of Connecticut, and Cynthia, of Florida; countless nieces and nephews. A celebration of life to be held at a later date.

ALAN R. BRETON

OAKLAND – Alan Robert Breton, 67, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at home. Born on March 21, 1957, in Water­ville, he was the son of Charles and Dorothy (LeClair) Breton.

Alan attended Waterville High School and Thomas College, in Waterville, while working alongside his father, at the family grocery store business, Oakland Superette.

In 1988, Alan and his wife Ammie opened the doors at Oakland Furniture and Appliance Center. Alan’s love of working with the public and serving customers grew into a successful business, in the heart of downtown Oakland. Though Alan thoroughly enjoyed working with customers in the furniture business, one of his greatest passions was cars and trucks, more specifically Ford cars and trucks.

In 1996, Alan was presented with the opportunity to take on a position as general manager at Pullen Ford, in Oakland. He truly loved the car business, and the years he spent at the dealership were some of his favorite, as he helped grow the business and fulfill a dream of his. In 2000, when Pullen Ford was sold, Alan made the decision to return to his roots, in the furniture business. Since then, Oakland Furniture has continued to grow and prosper, and will now be a part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Making deals and interacting with customers was something that Alan looked forward to every day. Alan’s shoes will be tough to fill, but his wife and daughter, as well as the “boys”, Dave and Jeremy, will proudly continue to represent the company that Alan created, making sure that “Nobody Does it Better” than Oakland Furniture.

Alan was an active member in his community, volunteering on several boards/committees, including the Boys and Girls Club, Mount Merici Catholic School, St. Theresa’s Church Council, and the Oakland Lions Club. Alan was most known for his incredible loyalty and generosity, not only toward his family and friends, but to those he didn’t even know. He was a giver and never hesitated to help someone in need. Alan was the “fixer” in the family, and quick with an answer to almost any problem you could present. He always had “a plan”. Alan loved the “WOW” factor, and would go to great lengths to achieve it. He loved to see others happy, and was known for his “big surprises”.

Over the past few years, Alan was the neighborhood decorator, providing a Mum plant in the fall and a wreath in the winter. It was the little things, the details, that were important to him. He was a lot of things to a lot of people, but to the people who loved and knew him, he was everything. On the rare occasions that Alan wasn’t doing or being something for someone, he enjoyed time with family, and was always the life of the “party”. Sunday’s by the pool, watching the New England Patriots and washing his “Tonka” truck were just a few of his favorite things to do. He will be forever missed, but his legacy, love of life, and entrepreneurial spirit will live on through the many lives that his touched.

Alan was predeceased by his parents.

Surviving are his wife Ammie of 45 fun-filled years; his daughter Kelly Breton, of Augusta; siblings; Charles F. Breton and wife Shirley, of Mechanic Falls, Linda Bragg and husband Tom, of Sidney, Arlene Brown and husband Steve, of Fairfield, Carol McKinnon and husband Gary; sister and brother-in-law; Pamela Jacques and husband Joe, of Sidney, Tammie Richard and companion Tim Warren, of Smithfield, Leon Richard and wife Liezl, of Nikiski, Alaska, Carla Caron and husband Keith, of Winslow, and Gene Richard and wife Alicia, of Rome; and several nieces and nephews.

Alan’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11 a.m.,, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, in Waterville.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville where memories of Alan may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Alan to the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville Maine 04901, servantsss22@gmail.com.

HYLAND BARROWS

OAKLAND – Hyland “Hydie” Barrows, 85, of Oakland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Glenridge Comfort Care Center, in Augusta. He was born Hyland E. Barrows, on April 21, 1939, in Augusta, to Irene Stratton and Freeman Barrows. Hyland was the second child and oldest boy of 13 children.

He was educated in the Augusta and Sidney schools. He was in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957-1960. Hyland married Elaine Stevens on October 21, 1961. They enjoyed many years of camping, hiking, and traveling together.

Hyland worked for Hammond Lumber Co., in the 1960s. Later, he worked for E.D. Bessey and Son for 40 years. Hyland attended the University of Maine and the University of New Hampshire for forest management.

Hyland joined the Marine Corps League Attachment #599, in Augusta, in 2008. He was awarded the Marine of the Year for the State of Maine Military Order of Devil Dogs in 2015. Hyland was the Commandant for the State of Maine in 2019. He also served as the Adjutant/ Paymaster.

Hyland was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Judy LeClaire and brothers Charles, Skip, and Howard Barrows.

Hyland is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine Barrows; five children, Christina and Bill Randall, of Palmyra, Belinda Barrows and Michael Marquis II, of Palmyra, David and Frieda Barrows, of Vienna, Colleen Barrows and Harvey Higgins, of Jackson, and Mary and Steven Hill, of Manchester, New Hampshire; 10 grandchildren, Joshua Morosi, Chelsea Young, Brianna Barrows, Cassandra Boucher, William “Joey” Randall, Evan Barrows, Michael Cain, Emily Randall, Quinton Hill, and Aliza Hil; five great-grandchildren, Georgia, Tiberius, Haidan, Nadean, and Margarett; eight sisters; one uncle; many nieces, nephews; and cousins.

Hyland’s visiting hours will be on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. His funeral service will be on Saturday February 1 at 2:30 p.m., also at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, with a celebration of life to follow immediately after. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

Hyland requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Marine Corps League of Maine (mcldome.com) or MaineGeneral Hospice (give.mainegeneral.org/ hospice).

Others Departed

CARMEN VASHON

HERMON – Carmen Vashon, 78, of Hermon, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025. She was born June 11, 1946, in Waterville, to Antonio and Hattie (Deschaine) Roy.

Service information can be viewed, and messages and memories may be shared, at kileyandfoley.com

CYNTHIA NIELSEN

AUGUSTA – Cynthia “Cindy” Nielsen, 70, passed away on September 28, 2024, in Augusta. Born on September 25, 1954, in Waterville, Cindy was a lifelong resident of central Maine and a beloved member of her family and community.

Cindy graduated from Waterville High School and spent her career working at various local retail establishments, including Mr. Paperback, Dunkin’ Donuts and the Quick Stop. She was known for her kindness and her love for children and animals, especially horses. Cindy’s warm presence and friendly demeanor made her a favorite among both customers and colleagues.

Cindy is survived by her brothers, Paul Nielsen and his wife Deborah, Dana Nielsen and his wife Annie, and Scott Nielsen and his wife Sheila; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Carlene Nielsen, and her partner, Don Colson.

A remembrance of Cindy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Brown Memorial Church Hall, in Clinton.