Oscar M. Hartford

May 9, 1920 - October 13, 2012

Oscar M. Hartford 1920 - 2012 LEWISTON - Oscar M. Hartford passed away on Saturday, October 13th with his family at his side and the memories of a lifetime of accomplishments and endeavors shared with relatives, friends, and the community. Oscar was born on May 9, 1920, to Floyd and Lena Hartford of Leeds, Maine. He worked hard and walked hundreds of miles over the years to get an education and graduate from Monmouth Academy, Class of 1937. During his early years, he worked for the Sawyer Farms in Green and the South Portland Shipyard prior to enlisting in the military. On July 24, 1941, Oscar married Geneva Carville, a soul mate he met through her relatives. They had three sons: Tom, Dick, and Bob. Oscar's military service started in 1944 as a volunteer with a deep sense of patriotism. He served in the European Theater as a combat infantryman with the Fourth Armored Division where he saw combat in Belgium and Germany. Following the war, he served in counter intelligence until his discharge in 1946. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and Bronze Star. Later he joined the Maine National Guard and served as an infantryman until his discharge in 1951 as a Sergeant First Class. Upon returning home from the war, he worked for-Atherton Furniture, Lewiston, and perfected his woodworking skills that he shared with many over the years. Eventually, Oscar found an opportunity with the Thomas White Insurance Agency, Lewiston. He thoroughly enjoyed the profession and the challenges and moved onto the Cobb Winslow Insurance Agency, Lewiston. Over time, he bought the agency and several others to form The Hartford Insurance Agency, a place that grew at a phenomenal rate with his leadership and dedicated employees. Oscar was not just about work, family, and Country. He enjoyed having fun,, sharing laughs, and encouraging his sons to do things he wished he could. There was never a dull moment in his life. He was active in the Masons where he served as Past Master of Ashlar Lodge, was an officer in Maine Grand Lodge, and visited every lodge in Maine. He was an instructor for the National Ski Patrol and served on the ski patrols of Lost Valley and Mt. Abram plus several World Cup races. He was known locally for drilling the Lewiston High School band for over ten years and guiding them to several State and New England championships. He was active with Cub Scouts and served in many key community roles. He also found time to be an officer in Kiwanis, drill the Livermore Falls American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, serve on the State of Maine Tramway Board, and organize blood drives for the Masons and American Red Cross. His love of the outdoors led him to being a Maine Guide. With all his time devoted to the family and service to others, he still found time to build a home. One house was not enough, he built a chalet in Bryant Pond so he and Gin could be closer to the ski slopes and their ski patrol responsibi1ities. The Chalet was a place with a lot of warmth and laughter, especially during ski season. Oscar build a network of snowmobile and A TV trails on his land that were open to the public. He was always available to help his sons, grandchildren, and relatives with their building projects and to pass along some of the old skills he had learned growing up. Oscar loved the outdoors and doing them with his family. These activities included hiking, boating, canoeing, hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, and ATVing. He had many memories from times spent at Sebago Lake, Mt. Katahdin, and Mt. Washington. He could always be seen carrying the nieces, nephews, and grand children on his shoulders. Life was good! Oscar is survived by two sons, six grand children, four great grand children, a brother, and a sister. He was preceded in death by his wife, a son, his parents, and six brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank the staff of the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for all their support during these times. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com HARTFORD died in Lewiston, October 13, 2012, Mr. Oscar M. Hartford age 92 years a resident of Lewiston. Funeral services honoring Oscar’s life will be held THURSDAY 1:00PM at the funeral Home. Graveside committal prayers to follow with military honors at Gracelawn Memorial Park. It was Oscar’s request not to have flowers or donations. Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday 5-8PM with a Masonic service at 7:30PM at PINETTE & LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, 784-4023