OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 20, 2024

FRANK A. PREO

WATERVILLE – Frank Alan Preo, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, due to health complications and early onset dementia.

He spent his childhood in Augusta, and attended Augusta schools. He was involved with sports and drumming, “The Sharpies,” and was gifted musically. He could play the drums, flute, guitar and piano.

Frank married his first wife Karen, had two children and raised them in Vassalboro. Karen died tragically in 1994 leaving Frank to raise them with the help of family. He took up gardening and cooking after Karen’s death and excelled at both.

Frank spent most of his career as a sales person and a reset specialist in the grocery field. He was always close to his children, but was especially close to his son Chad, who helped him tremendously in the last years of his life.

Frank was predeceased by his father Charles Preo; his mother, Lorette Lajoie and her husband Wilfred; his brothers-in-law, Bob Rancourt and Ronald Breton; and his first wife Karen Preo.

Frank is survived by his daughter Jaime Pooler, her husband Mark and their children, Bentley and Bianca; and his son Chad Preo; his brother, Fred Preo and his wife Rachael; sister, Charlene Breton, and many nieces and nephews; his ex-wife and longtime companion Jackie Preo.

A burial service will be determined at a later date.

BARRY W. DOLLEY

HARPSWELL – Barry William Dolley, 84, died peacefully at home in South Harpswell on Friday, May 31, 2024, following a long battle with cancer. He lived most of his life in Winslow, before retiring to South Harpswell in 2005, with his wife Sandy.

Born prematurely at three pounds two ounces on November 8, 1939, Barry defied expectations from the beginning. During his early school years, the teachers, try as they might, were not able to cure him of either his left-handedness nor his colorblindness. Later in life, his grandchildren would take up the latter challenge, with the same result.

At Winslow High School, Barry played football and track, and excelled in industrial arts. He would sneak into school early mornings to work on projects in the shop. Barry won first place nationally for a desk he made. He was voted most likely to succeed in his class.

Following high school, against his guidance counselor’s advice, Barry went to college. It was during his senior year of college that he met the love of his life, Sandra Adrienne Paradis. Although he believed he had no chance with her, they began dating, got married, and eventually settled in Winslow, where they raised their five children.

Following graduation from Gorham State Teacher’s College, Barry began working as an industrial arts teacher at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. He had a lifelong love for building, and eventually left teaching to start building houses. He ventured into solar energy; and designed and built energy-efficient homes in central Maine during the 1970s and 1980s. He was ahead of his time.

People who knew Barry found him highly knowledgeable on a number of topics, particularly World War II and college football. And he could really tell a story. He had a rare talent for building furniture and cabinetry, and built many pieces that he gave to his children and loved ones. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Vince Lombardi. He taught his children the value of hard work – all five of them went on to operate their own businesses.

Barry was a self-made man, an innovator. He was intelligent, witty, compassionate to others and always willing to share. He was a fantastic cook, a gifted teacher and a great example in life. He will be dearly missed. The boy from Winslow did good. Barry was predeceased by his parents, Donovan “Duke” and Rollande “Jackie” (Pelletier) Dolley; and by his wife, Sandy.

He leaves behind his five children, Michelle Dolley and husband Gilles Langlois, Barry Dolley II, Jeffrey Dolley and wife Jessica, Shawn Dolley, and Reneé Dolley and her friend Jim Sloan; seven grandchildren, Adrienne Dolley and her fiancée Kristen Thompson, J. Luke Dolley, Adeline Dolley, William J. Dolley, Dylan Dolley, Liam Dolley and Luke Dolley; his brother, William Dolley and wife, Bonnie; a sister-in-law, Jolyne Paradis; Nieves Lanoy and son Lance; many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

The family will host a celebration of life for Barry at the Village Inn, in Belgrade, on Saturday, June 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be plenty of food and all are welcome.

SEAN A. RANCOURT

WATERVILLE – Sean Alan Rancourt, 39, of Waterville, passed away on Friday May 31, 2024, doing what he loved, welding at Rockport Steel, In Rockport. Sean was born in Waterville, December 31, 1984, to Bernard Rancourt and Michele Rancourt.

Sean attended high school at Waterville Senior High, he completed his Welding Certification at Lyman Morse Fabrication, of Rockland. Sean could master many trades and never stopped learning. He excelled in welding and looked forward to opening his own fabrication and welding shop. Sean was on a path to a bright future. His future was bright, and he had his goals set, Sean was ready for life. Sean will always be remembered for his kind heart, his loving soul and his devotion to his family, and his signature grin, that he always shared.

Sean is survived by his father, Bernard Rancourt, of Waterville; his mother, Michele Rancourt (Don Agee), of Sebastian, Florida; his son, Darius Ladainan Rancourt, of Bangor; his brother Adam Rancourt (Leeanne), of Windsor; his sister, Amanda Deroche Rancourt (Marjorie); nephew, Levi; his sister, Katelyn Rancourt (Jaime Dawe); his nieces Audrianna, Adielynne and future baby to be named; his uncle, Reggie and aunt, Marie Rancourt; his aunt Betty and uncle Dan McCaslin, his aunt Roslind and uncle Lewis Smith, and his uncle Ricky Welch.

Sean‘s life recently was brightened by the addition of his love for Jessica Grierson, of Rockland. They shared many positive goals and were on the path to a bright and lasting future.

Sean was previously deceased by his paternal grandparents Francis and Regina Rancourt, of Waterville, maternal grandparents Clifford Welch (Jean), of Wilton, and Phyllis Woods (Leonard), of Waterville; his aunt, Jean Rancourt, Accomac, Virginia, his aunt, Sherry Rancourt, Waterville, uncle, Micheal and aunt, Denise Welch, Nashua, New Hampshire.

Service for Sean will be held at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville on Thursday, June 13, at 11:30 a.m.

The family will be doing the traditional welders send off. Each person can put their thoughts, jokes, or pictures on a welding rod. These will be placed with Sean.

PETER GAUG JR.

TRUMBULL, Connecticut – Peter Gaug Jr., 94, of Trumbull, Connecticut, and formerly of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was the husband of 72 years to Evelyn (Speicher) Gaug. Born in the Bronx, New York, on June 1, 1930, he was the son of the late Peter and Katie (Jeck) Gaug Sr., and was a resident of Waterville for over 43 years before moving to Trumbull, Connecticut, three years ago.

Peter joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his master’s degree from Rutgers University. His career took him to banking where he retired after many years an assistant vice president.

In addition to his wife Evelyn, survivors include his four children, Jeanne Steffens, JoAnne Gaug, Peter E. Gaug and Matthew Gaug and five grandchildren, Katherine and Andrew Steffens, Kristy, Nicholas and Scott Gaug.

He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Scott Steffens.

All funeral services will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, Conn. To leave an online condolence, visit us at http://www.abriola.com.

BEATRICE M. GIROUX

WATERVILLE – Beatrice Marie Giroux , 92, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Mount Joseph, in Waterville, in the early morning. Beatrice was born in Waterville on April 6, 1932, the daughter of Louis and Eva Gauthier.

She attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, in Waterville. She worked various jobs in the area and later took care of many children in her home. She was an immaculate homemaker who also loved to cook for her family. She was always ready to help a friend in need. Beatrice loved spending time with her family playing cards and listening to French music and dancing the French jig. She was also an avid walker.

She was predeceased by her husband Leland Giroux; her parents, Louis and Eva Gauthier, brothers, Larry, Alphie, Norman and Bill Gauthier; sisters, Jeannette Veilleux and Lucille Lagasse, son-in-law, David Althenn and her first husband Renald Lachance.

Beatrice is survived by her daughters, Terri Althenn, Linda Hamlin and husband Larry; sisters Arlene Brownd and Doris Main and husband Bert; grandchildren, Jason Evans and wife Samantha, Jamie Evans and partner Jessica Wittnebert, Holly Hamlin and partner Paul Kinsey, Darcy Sears and husband Chris; great-grandchildren, Michael Evans, Alysa Evans, Connor Evans, Jordan Gurney and partner Desiree Keyser, and Jayden Gurney. Also, stepchildren, stepgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, June 18, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, followed by a committal service at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the deceased’s name to:

Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US-1 #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074, (207-772-0115).

MARIA YOTIDES

AUGUSTA – Maria Yotides, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Born in Winslow, on May 8, 1931, Maria was the only daughter and last surviving child of James and Olga (Boodry) Yotides, of the first Greek pioneers to settle permanently in the Winslow/Waterville area in 1907.

Maria made her family extremely proud, graduating with honors from Winslow High School, class of 1949. She continued her pursuit of higher education at Westbrook College, in Portland, becoming the first member of the Yotides family to obtain a collegiate degree in 1951. Following her schooling, she worked alongside her parents and brothers in the family business, City Cab, on Siver Street, in Waterville, serving their local community and visiting guests for decades.

Known for her wit, vibrant personality, and spunky sense of style, Maria’s energy was contagious and brought to life any room she entered. Her memory will live on through photos and family stories of her adventurous spirit and passion for good fun, not the least of which included her love of an Elvis Presley sing-a-long!

In her niece’s book Don’t Worry About a Thing – Growing Up in Maine, Katherine Yotides Sullivan wrote of her Aunt Maria: “Maria may not have looked like the movie stars on the pages of the magazines she kept in the waiting room (of the taxi stand), but she had an outgoing personality and many friends, and she was so much fun…People she knew stopped in to chat even when they didn’t need a cab. I never heard her complain…”

Maria was predeceased by her parents and siblings: George, Konstantina, Thomas, Spiro (Spike) and Antonios.

She is survived by her nieces, nephews and their growing families along the East Coast.

There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery, Grove Street, in Waterville.

MACKENZIE M. STRICKLAND

WATERVILLE – Mackenzie Marie Strickland, 27, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at her home. Mackenzie was born in Augusta on October 16, 1996, the daughter of Kevin and Nancy (Brawn) Strickland. Later Mackenzie happily welcomed her brother Patrick.

On Valentine’s Day 2000, Mackenzie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Throughout her life she needed support, and we met many special people along the way to help her.

In 2004, Mackenzie received a pool from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was gifted a party at our home and the entertainment was provided by her favorite singer, Rick Charrett.

Mackenzie attended Waterville public schools and she graduated in 2016. Mackenzie participated in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Go Girls, and enjoyed having fun with her friends.

Mackenzie attended Pine Tree Camp where they had some of her favorite activities like swimming, boating, canoeing, dancing, sitting around the campfire, and watching fireworks. She had the time of her life!

Mackenzie attended “Night to Shine”, a dance in honor of special needs adults. She would proudly take her tiara and walk down the red carpet, with a ginormous smile as she danced the night away!

Mackenzie also attended Goodwill Lifeworks, an adult day program. They took her bowling, shopping, and other fun activities, but her favorite activity was swimming.

Visitation will be held June 30, 2024, at 2 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 3 p.m., at CenterPoint Com­munity Church, 155 West River, Waterville. A reception will follow.

Please visit Mackenzie’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/mackenzie-strickland where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

ANDREW R. PERRY

WINSLOW – Andrew Robert Perry, 67, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024. Andy was born in the city of Portland, to parents Robert Perry and Norma (Emerson) Perry on November 24, 1956.

Andy graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1975 and graduated from the University of Maine-Orono in 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in finance.

The profound impact he made in his 67 years is evident in the myriad of lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind.

Andrew owned and operated Allstate Insurance Company, in Augusta, for over 20 years and sold the agency in 2010. He then worked for the Bureau of Insurance for a number of years until his retirement in 2021. He was known for his unwavering dedication and loyalty. As an insurance agent, he found joy in providing security and peace of mind to countless families. His charismatic personality, coupled with his expertise, made him a cherished figure in the industry. His work was not just a job, but a manifestation of his innate desire to care for others. The ripple effect of his work will continue to be felt by those he served.

Andy had many interests. He loved music, cars, motorcycles and all New England sports. He was an active member of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville. He was a cantor and choir member at St. John the Baptist church, in Winslow. He played trumpet and read and wrote music often creating harmonies for other choir members. He sang a cappella with three friends and often performed for church functions. Andy also had a flair for the corny and collected bad jokes as a hobby.

Andy was a fantastic husband, loving family man, and a great friend and neighbor. He always joked, “ Never let it be said I didn’t do the least I could do.” But he was always “doing something” for someone. He was the epitome of a caregiver.

As we mourn the loss of Andrew, we also celebrate his remarkable life. We remember him not only for his accomplishments but for the man he was – a beacon of integrity, resilience, and love. Andrew will continue to live in our hearts and memories. So, let us not just grieve his passing but also cherish the times we spent with him.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Perry, who was his rock and guiding star. Their love story, like a well-woven tapestry, was filled with shared dreams, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to each other. Andy is also survived by his children, son James Perry and wife Jennifer and their children, Theodore and Sullivan; his daughters Alison Hopcraft and husband Charles, and Andrea Perry and fiancé Alex Batey; his brother John Perry and wife Margaret; and his Uncle Charles and Aunt Nancy Perry.

Andy was preceded in death by his father, Robert Perry, and his mother, Norma Perry. Their love and teachings were the foundation upon which Andrew built his life. He carried their wisdom and love in his heart, and it was reflected in the way he lived. He was also predeceased by his brother Peter Perry.

We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Andrew on the memorial page. Each story and picture will help keep his spirit alive and remind us of the beautiful life he lived.

There was a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, on June 20, 2024, with the burial following at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

Services are in the care of Veilleux Funeral Home Waterville Maine.

Any donations in Andy’s memory should be made to your favorite charity.

NANCY G. YORK

PALERMO – Nancy G. York, 81, died Monday, June 10, 2024, following a long illness. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 10, 1943, a daughter of the late Alan and Shirley (Gould) Chesebro.

Ms. York was educated at Vermont College, earning her associates degree. She had been employed for many years at the Kennebec Valley Medical Center, now the Alfond Center for Health, and was employed as the Director of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review. She then worked at Falmouth Hospital, in Falmouth, Massachusetts, retiring in 2012.

Nancy enjoyed the times she spent at the family cottage in East Boothbay, rowing the Nina around the bay and sitting on the porch, watching the sunset over the ocean with her golden retrievers, Zoe, Frances and Sooner, who all had predeceased her.

Ms. York was predeceased by her twin, Gordon Chesebro.

She is survived by her daughter, Allison Y. Aley, of Concord, Massachusetts; her son, Andrew A. York and his wife Cheryl, of Palermo; two brothers, John and Robert Chesebro, both of Westbrook; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

At her request there will be no public visiting hours or funeral services. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

PHILLIP HENRY

BANGOR – Phillip Henry, 86, of Waterville, passed away at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, on Monday June 10, 2024. Phil was born on January 19, 1938, in Burnham to Aden and Lina Henry (Frost).

In 1975 Phil married Charlene Loisel, of Waterville, where they lived and raised their five children.

Phil started out working for a construction as a mason in his earlier years as well as various jobs. He later went to work at Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki) company as a machine operator for 28 years where he retired,

After retirement Phil spent time helping his children with building their houses and helping with other projects. He loved hunting, fishing, biking, walking, and animals, especially his beagles. (He was the guy who would stop and remove a turtle from the road for fear of it being run over).

Phil was predeceased by his wife Charlene Henry of 64 years.

Phil is survived by his children, Raymond Henry and partner Glenda Amburg, Gail Young and husband Scott, Lisa Carter and husband Mike Inman, Randy Henry and wife Debbie, and Robert Henry; grandchildren: Michelle Von Bernewitz, Kevin Young, Andrew Young, Joseph Henry, Bethany Gade, and Jason Carter; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Geraldine Brooks, Cheryl Basford, Barbara Drake, Doris Hinds, Phyllis Later; and a brother Aiden Henry.

A graveside committal service will be held at 11:15 a.m., on Wednesday, June 26, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

Following the committal service the family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration of Life at the Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, 51 Water Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phillip to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd,. Waterville, ME 04901.

DAWN M. VASVARY

OAKLAND – Dawn Marie Vasvary, 63, of Oakland, passed away on Wed­nesday, June 12, 2024. Dawn fought courageously against cancer.

Dawn’s fa­vorite pastime was fishing and being in the outdoors with the love of her life Lou. Dawn and Lou met in their hometown of Spotswood, New Jersey, as teens and were married on September 30, 1979, they had 44 years of marriage as best friends.

They moved to Oakland in August 1994 with their three sons and opened their business, D&L Country Store. Dawn and Lou had many happy years raising their family and running their business always together. Dawn’s greatest joy were her children and her grandchildren who she loved dearly.

Dawn was predeceased by her mother, Helen Willett (2018) stepfather, Leroy Willett Sr. (2002).

She is survived by her husband, Lou Vasvary, of Oakland; sons, Louie Vasvary Jr. his wife Amanda and their children Hunter and Corinne, of Gardiner, Bruce Vasvary and his daughter Kaya, of Sidney, Kenny Vasvary his wife Christy and their children Tucker and Katarina, of Mercer; brother, Wayne Willett and his wife Diane, of Florida, their children Lisa and Kim; her sisters, Wanda Adro and family, of Florida, Stacey Barnhart and family, of Florida; and her stepbrother, Leroy Willett Jr. and his wife Anita of North Carolina; along with many extended family members.

Please join the family for a celebration of life on Saturday, June 29, at their family home, on 81 North Pond Rd., Rome, ME 04963, at 2 p.m.

The family encourages donations to those care facilities in her name to support other families battling cancer.

MARGARET . THOMPSON

WATERVILLE – Margaret M. Thompson, 97, affectionately known as Peg or Peggy, peacefully passed away at her daughter’s home in Boylston, Massachusetts, on April 4, 2024.

Peggy will be remembered as Mom, Grandmama and Gigi. Peggy’s warm and vibrant personality showed through in everything she did. Though she may have left this world physically, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Peggy was born on May 18, 1926, in Arlington, Massachusetts. She lived a life filled with love, kindness, and laughter. Peggy graduated from Jamaica Plain High School and then worked at Boston Gas and Worcester Gas during the 1950s.

On the weekends, Peggy loved to go dancing at Moseley’s on the Charles. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob Thompson, whom she married on September 22, 1951. Their honeymoon was the start of adventurous traveling around the world. Peggy and Bob started their family, in Natick, Massachusetts, and so began the most rewarding job of her life, a devoted stay-at-home mom to her four children and her beloved Dino, a black male Standard Poodle. In 1968, Peggy loaded up their four children, family pets and moved to Waterville, where Bob had begun his career as the owner of Thompson Volkswagen, Inc. At Bob’s passing, Peggy then became the president and owner of the business that had grown into Thompson Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Inc.

Peggy was loving, kind, full of life, funny, generous, and a devoted friend to many. Her hobbies included knitting, playing bridge, porcelain doll making, golfing, cross-country skiing, gardening, and indulging in any craft class that was available. Peggy was also an avid reader.

Memories of Peggy will forever be cherished by all who knew her. She loved spending time with family and friends at the family’s camp on Snow Pond, in Oakland. On summer days, she enjoyed boat rides, cookouts, playing cards with her family, sitting on the deck watching all the activity, and listening to the loons. Her homemade lemon chiffon pies, brownies, and peanut butter cookies were always waiting for her children after school and on special holidays. Her home was a haven filled with love and warmth.

Peggy shared a special bond and love of family with her late husband Robert (Bob) Thompson, who passed away on August 23, 2004. She was also predeceased by her parents, Sarah and Timothy Buckley; and two brothers Jack and William Buckley.

Peggy is survived by her three sons, Robert and wife Kim Thompson, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Timothy Thompson, of Oakland, Mark and wife Karen Thompson, of Waterville; a daughter Theresa Redgate and her husband Laurence Redgate, of Boylston, Massachusetts; sister-in-law Sr. Anita Thompson, of Convent Station, New Jersey; grandchildren, Heather Redgate and spouse James Guaragna, Julia Redgate and spouse Thomas McHenry, Courtney, Mackenzie, and Tyler Thompson, Katie and Jack Thompson; along with great-granddaughter, Sophia Guaragna.

There will be a private burial at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, Maine.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Silver Street Tavern, Waterville, Maine, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations may be made in memory of Margaret to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, or The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation or The Jewish Healthcare Hospice Center, Worcester, MA, or Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, Waterville, ME.

Services

RICHARD HARRINGTON

For anyone wishing to honor Richard Harrington, who passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, his daughters will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 30, from 2 – 4 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game Clubhouse, Route 3, Palermo.

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