Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home
110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Maine 04841
207-594-4212
Serving Midcoast Families since 1830
Sensitivity, Compassion & Respect
Bom-Wrapper
In Memory of
Harold G.
Willey
Willey
June 11, 1921 -
September 15, 2015
September 15, 2015
Obituary for Harold G. Willey
ROCKPORT - Harold G. Willey, 94, died peacefully at Knox Center for Long Term Care, Tuesday, September 15, 2015,
Born June 11, 1921 in St. Albans, he was the son of George W. and Viola G. Pettengill Willey. He grew up in the Skowhegan area and after high school entered the Navy. At the end of World War II, he earned a BA from the University of Maine, a Masters in Psychology from Tufts University, and ultimately earned his Doctorate from Clark University.
Following the war, Harold married Elsa Steffanson and moved to Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The couple had five children.
He was employed more than 30 years at Bridgewater State Hospital, working with the criminally insane. He had the honor to be the first phycologist to testify in court without the backup of a psychiatrist. He was also known for working at Brockton YMCA. Harold lost Elsa in the late 70s. Returning to Maine, he married Judith Philip Withee in December, 1981.
Locally, he volunteered at the Camden YMCA as a Free Weight Instructor. He also regularly volunteered at the Knox Center for Long Term Care. He was a founding member and served as President of Mid-Coast Mental Health Board. He was a member of the Orient Lodge of Masons, No. 15, Thomaston, and the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland. Due to his Native American heritage, Harold was proud to serve as a member of the Episcopal Diocesan Committee on Indian Relations. He was also active in establishment of the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry.
Predeceased by his son, Harold Willey, Jr., Harold is survived by his wife Judith of Rockport; children, James S. Withee and his wife Joan of Martinsburg, WV, Bo Willey and his wife Carol of West Yarmouth, MA, Rebecca Dorobis and her husband Paul of Rockport, Elsa Charette of Augusta, Anne Kahurl and her husband Bradley of Winthrop, Seri Neault and her husband David of Bridgewater, MA; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2015 at St. Peters Episcopal Church, Rockland. The Reverend Lael Sorenson will officiate. Private interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Islesboro.
Memorial donations may be made to either Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or St. Peters Episcopal Church, 11 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a story or memory with Harold’s family, please visit www.bchfh.com.
Born June 11, 1921 in St. Albans, he was the son of George W. and Viola G. Pettengill Willey. He grew up in the Skowhegan area and after high school entered the Navy. At the end of World War II, he earned a BA from the University of Maine, a Masters in Psychology from Tufts University, and ultimately earned his Doctorate from Clark University.
Following the war, Harold married Elsa Steffanson and moved to Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The couple had five children.
He was employed more than 30 years at Bridgewater State Hospital, working with the criminally insane. He had the honor to be the first phycologist to testify in court without the backup of a psychiatrist. He was also known for working at Brockton YMCA. Harold lost Elsa in the late 70s. Returning to Maine, he married Judith Philip Withee in December, 1981.
Locally, he volunteered at the Camden YMCA as a Free Weight Instructor. He also regularly volunteered at the Knox Center for Long Term Care. He was a founding member and served as President of Mid-Coast Mental Health Board. He was a member of the Orient Lodge of Masons, No. 15, Thomaston, and the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland. Due to his Native American heritage, Harold was proud to serve as a member of the Episcopal Diocesan Committee on Indian Relations. He was also active in establishment of the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry.
Predeceased by his son, Harold Willey, Jr., Harold is survived by his wife Judith of Rockport; children, James S. Withee and his wife Joan of Martinsburg, WV, Bo Willey and his wife Carol of West Yarmouth, MA, Rebecca Dorobis and her husband Paul of Rockport, Elsa Charette of Augusta, Anne Kahurl and her husband Bradley of Winthrop, Seri Neault and her husband David of Bridgewater, MA; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2015 at St. Peters Episcopal Church, Rockland. The Reverend Lael Sorenson will officiate. Private interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Islesboro.
Memorial donations may be made to either Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or St. Peters Episcopal Church, 11 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a story or memory with Harold’s family, please visit www.bchfh.com.
Phone: 207-594-4212
Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home
110 Limerock Street
Rockland ME04841
Fax: 207-596-0755
