Obituaries, Week of March 1, 2018

PHILIP M. WENTZEL

VASSALBORO––Philip Martin Wentzel, 89, of Vassalboro, formerly of China and Augusta, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. He was born on February 22, 1928, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the second child of Ethel Louise (Lake) Wentzel and Roy Alva Wentzel.

The family returned to the U. S. in 1930 and moved to Augusta in 1931.

Philip attended Augusta’s Nash and Lincoln schools and graduated from Cony High School as “Third Honor Part in the class of 1946. He served honorably in the Army of the United Stated from 1946 to 1948, with a tour of duty in Allied-occupied Japan as a photographer and surveyor. He then attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts, earning a B.S. in civil engineering in the class of 1952.

On September 13, 1952, Philip married the former Mary Ellen French, the youngest of six children of Thomas Cowan and Eunice Myrtle French, who owned and operated French’s Market Gardens, of South China. Philip and Mary were married for over 65 years until his death.

Philip was employed for 44 years in the Bridge Construction and Bridge Design Division of the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT), formerly the Maine State Highway Commission, as a registered professional engineer, and worked on many bridge projects across the state.

Throughout his long live, Philip cultivated numerous interests, including, but by no means limited to, photography, home gardening, cartography, sharing the history of Maine narrow-gauge railroads with his children, maintaining ties with his relatives in the Wentzel and Kaulback families of Maine and Nova Scotia.

Also, baseball and basketball, swimming, skiing, hiking, mountain climbing and attending the annual MOFGA Common Ground County Fair since its inception in 1977.

A man of strong Christian faith and high principles, Philip honored his responsibilities to his family, his work, his friends, and his country. He will be remembered by many for his easy laugh and sense of humor.

Philip was predeceased by both of his parents; as well as a sister, Eleanor Mae Clark of Belgrade, and brothers-in-law Richard Houston and Morgan Harris.

Survivors include his wife Mary; their three sons, Robert F. Wentzel and wife Valerie Hunter, of Portland, Oregon, Thomas M. Wentzel and wife Cynthia Meler, of Tucson, Arizona, and John P. Wentzel, of Vassalboro; former daughter-in-law Nancy (Favor) (Wentzel) Phinney, of Santa Barbara, California; three grandsons, Robert and Nancy’s Lt. Col. (USAF) Jonathan F. and wife Claire Wentzel, Major (USAF) James B. and wife Kimberly Wentzel, and Robert and Valerie’s Joshua H. Wentzel; and four great-grandchildren; his sister, Lola Jeanne (Houston) Harris, of Berkeley, California; brother-in-law, Arthur Clark, of Belgrade; and by six nieces and nephews and their families.

To express condolences and participate in Philip’s online tribute, please visit www.DirectCremationofMaine.com.

Donations may be made in Philip’s memory to National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, c/o Bill Caswell, 535 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike, Hillsboro, New Hampshire 03244.

ARTHUR CARPENTER

FAIRFIELD––Arthur “Biz” Carpenter passed away at Southern Maine Medical Center, in Biddeford, on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. Biz was born in Waterville on July 25, 1931, the son of Arthur Carpenter and Violet.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1948. After high school he enlisted in the Army. He served for four years. Shortly after that Biz met Marie “Maggie” Adams.

Besides family, Biz had a couple of hobbies that brought immense joy to him. One of those hobbies was going to the Waterville Elks Club. He was a lifetime member. He spent many hours there and was a very “active member.” Biz enjoyed helping with the BBQ chicken dinners, did quite a bit of painting, and assisted with countless other activities. He made too many friends to mention here.

The other joy for this gentle, loving man was fishing. Oh my, how Biz counted the days leading up to the annual trek to East Gran Lake, in Danforth. He, along with a dozen or so family and friends, has trolled those waters since 1976. The enthusiasm Biz had for these fishing trips was exhilarating, and never wavered through the 40-plus years. The core of this enthusiasm came because he was going to be with those nearest and dearest to him. It didn’t matter that the fish would-often-be uncooperative. What mattered was making memories that could, and would, be shared time and time again. Imagine a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment happening on an annual basis!

Besides being predeceased by Marie and his parents; Biz was also predeceased by brothers Raymond, Don, and Neil; grandchild, Jeremy; and great-grandchild, Job.

Surviving family members are his two daughters Chrissy Jurdak, Robin Whiten and partner, Peter; a son Brian Carpenter and wife Karen; brothers Freddie and Danny; sister Marlene, as well as sister Diana and husband Ron; grandchildren Jessica and husband Eric, Jennifer, Heather and husband Shawn, Renee, Corey, Michael, and Marissa; great-grandchildren, Al, Halley, Elijah, Zeb, Dejah, Ethan, Evan, JD, , Aviana, Kianna and Peyton; step-grandchildren Miranda, Erica, and Eli; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation Inc., 30 East 33rd St., New York , NY 10016.

KENNETH A. SMITH

WHITEFIELD––Kenneth A. Smith, 5- month-old son of Derek W. Smith and Katie M. Merrill, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at his home. He was born in Augusta on September 19, 2017.

Kenneth was the happiest boy. He always wore a smile and loved everyone he met.

Kenneth is survived by his parents, Derek W. Smith and Katie M. Merrill, of Whitefield; a brother, Granger Smith, of Whitefield; grandparents, Kenneth and Tressa Smith, of Exeter, Lori Monroe and husband Frank, of Whitefield and Jeff and Laurie McKenney, of Harmony; great-grandparents, Sandra and Buddy Smith, Donna and Duane Olson and Linda Rossignol Theriault and Clint Theriault; aunts and uncles, Shae Merrill and Bradley Northrup, Austin and Kirsten Merrill, Jacob and Kelsey Smith, Jessica Smith, Jerrod Smith and Josh Smith.

Arrangements are under the direction of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Donations in Kenneth’s memory may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/baby-kenneths-funeral-expenses.

WILLIAM E. HAPWORTH SR.

FAIRFIELD––William E. Hapworth Sr., known to many as “Hap” “Ernie” “Happy” and “Ernest,” 84, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Maine General Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born in Waterville on October 8, 1933, the son of the late Howard C. and Fanny L. (Hustus) Hapworth.

Following his schooling, Ernest served with the US Navy during the Korean War. He was a very hard working man who really enjoyed working and providing for his family. He was working fulltime for Flood Brothers Dairy Farm just two months before his death. In his younger years, he was a self-employed dairy farmer, operating Happy Acres Dairy. He also owned and operated a trucking company, Happy Acres Dairy & Sons Trucking. His employment also included working for W. S. Pillsbury and Hammond Tractor.

Hap was also very dedicated to several organizations including the Masons, Shriners, and, in his younger years, was a member of the Fairfield Center Volunteer
fire Department. One of his greatest passions was flying his own planes. He owned and flew many over the years. He would often fly to remote destinations up north to go ice fishing.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Powers; and his daughter-in-law, Delia Hapworth.

Hap will be missed by his wife Jackie (Ronco) Hapworth; his children Patti White and husband Tom, of Fairfield, Cindy ‘White, of Winslow, William E. Hapworth Jr., of Fairfield, and Howard C. Hapworth II and wife Tara Grignon, of Fairfield; his sister, Alison Roberts and her husband Dana, of Winthrop; grandson Jason White and wife Tammy, of Fairfield; great-granddaughter Izabella White, of Fairfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in William’s memory to the charity of your choice.

ALBERIC PELLETIER

NORTH VASSALBORO – Alberic Pelletier, 85, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, of natural causes following a relatively short illness. Alberic was born on January 22, 1933, in Eagle Lake, son of Albenie and Rose Pelletier (Poissonnier).

As a child he moved to sidney with his family where he attended school. In 1951 he joined the U. S. Marine Corp and served a tour in the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the Marines, he returned to central Maine where he married the former Caribel Porter on July 31, 1954. The young couple moved to Winslow.

Over the years Alberic owned and ran Al’s Sunoco gas stations and garages on Bay Street, in Winslow, Main Street, in Fairfield, and College Ave, in Waterville. His wreckers had “Here Come Al” signage ons the front that could only be read in a mirror. Alberic was an avid fisherman and a hunter, as he had an incredible shot. He went hunting in many states and various provinces in Canada. Al was a dedicated gardener and was an accomplished builder, as he built several homes in the central Maine area.

At his retirement, Al and Caribel moved to Casa Grand, Arizona, where they resided and made many friends until their return to Maine in 2008.

Alberic was predeceased by his parents Albenie and Rose Pelletier; his brothers Alvie, Alfred, Richard; sisters Estelle and Shirley Glazier; mother-in-law Gladys Porter and father-in-law Oliver Porter.

He is survived by his wife Caribel of 63 years; daughter Judith Rogde and significant other Richard, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and her son Jarrett and daughter Allison; son Peter and daughter-in-law Sally, on Intervale, New Hampshire, and his sons Brian, Lance and Scott; his son Randall and daughter-in-law Erlile, of Vassalboro, and his daughters Jasmine and Jayde; his daughter Jennifer Pelletier and significant other Scott, of Winslow, and her daughter Tasha; seven great-grandchildren.

An online guestboook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One Suite 2C, Scarborough ME 04074.

OTHERS DEPARTED

GABRIELLE L. MANSON, 102, of Waterville, formerly of Fairfield, Oakland and Unity, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by son Parrish Manson and wife, Jessey, of Waterville, and daughter Pamela Manson, of Winslow.

LORETTE H. RANCOURT, 86, of Augusta, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at the Clover Living Center, in Auburn, following a long illness. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Susan Ainslie and husband Boye, of Vassalboro.

EVA MAY NICHOLS, 71, of Skowhegan, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at her home. Locally she is survived by daughters Shay Perryman and husband Kenny, of Oakland, and Ida Noonan and fiencé Jeremy Clement, of Vassalboro.

HELEN M. LIBBY, 54, of New Harbor, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018, in Harpswell. Locally, she is survived by children Kara Ray and partner Mark Savage, of Washington, and Samual Ray and wife Jordan, of Liberty; brother Matthew Libby, of Unity.

EDMOND L. CARET, 71, of Ashford, Connecticut, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018. He was born in Augusta on July 7,, 1941, the son of Benedict and Malvina Caret. Locally, he is survived by brothers Tghomas Caret, of South China, and George Caret, of Augusta.

WALTER H. MASCHINO, 90, of Gardiner, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a short illness. Locally, he is survived by grandchildren Lisa and bob Caron and their children, Micaela, Samantha, Isaiah, Alexander and Beau, of Augusta, Tarsha and Josh Sack and their children Cody, Parker and Joshua, of South China.

KEENAN R. JONES, 53, of Waldoboro, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a sister, Allison Andrade and husband Mitch, of Washington.

LORRAINE P. HAYDEN, 70, of Starks, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at Sandy River Center, in Farmington. Locally, she is survived by daughters Katherine Casey, of Waterville, and Patricia Hayden and fiancé Errol Ireland, of Clinton; and grandchildren Cassandra Gaskey and husband Steve, Alex Casey, and Miriah Casey, all of Waterville, Zachary Casey, of Madison, Tifani Warren, of Skowehgan, and Natasha Warren, of East Benton.

GERMAINE MATHIEU, 95, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, following a brief illness. Locally, she is survived by her children, David Mathieu, and Helen Nadeau and husband John, all of Waterville; grandson Daniel Nadeau and wife Kahli, of Waterville; brother Leonel Huard and wife Angela, of Winslow; sister-in-law Violette Huard, of Winslow.

AUDREY LAWSON, 76, of Gardiner, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. Locally, she is survived by a son, Brent M. Lawson Sr. and wife Bonnie, of China.