Ira Dole Obituary (1913 - 2003)

AUGUSTA ? Ira Frederic Dole, 89, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. He lived on Fairview Avenue in Augusta for 46 years prior to his move to Granite Hill Estates in 2000. He was born in Brewer, Aug. 21, 1913, a son of Eugene Morris Dole and Minnie (Floyd) Dole. He was graduated from Bangor High School in 1932 and the University of Maine at Orono in 1936 with a degree in civil engineering. In 1939 in Bangor, he married Dorothy Nealey, who predeceased him in 2001. He worked for Central Maine Power Co. for 33 years and retired in 1978. He was a trustee of South Parish Congregational Church and a member for 50 years and sang with the Lamplighters, a local singing group. He enjoyed his large family, gardening, tennis and woodworking, and he was an ardent, loyal, but frustrated Red Sox fan. He was devoted to his dogs, Newfoundland and others. He is survived by three daughters, Nancy Curtin and her husband, Richard, of Sanibel, Fla., and West Gardiner; Judith Byers and her husband, John of Sanford, N.C.; and Jean Goodwin and her husband, Tom, of Naples, Fla. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Jill Goodwin Brown, Amie Goodwin Guindon, Scott Goodwin, Petty Officer 1st Class Geoffrey Byers, Andrew Byers, Dana Curtin Granados, Richard Curtin Jr., Andrew Curtin, Karen Curtin Voorhees, Kathryn Curtin, Brian Curtin and Elizabeth Curtin Hayes; and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Floyd Dole of Bangor. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to South Parish Congregational Church, Church Street, Augusta 04330, or the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, Pet Haven Lane, Augusta 04330. Arrangments are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, Augusta.