FARMINGTON – Henry “Hank” F. Cleaveland, 86, of Farmington died June 4 at his home.

He was born Jan. 22, 1920, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Edwards L. and Lida (Wells) Cleaveland. He was a graduate of Boys High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., Governor Dummer Academy in Mass., attended Amherst College, and was a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington in 1992. Hank was first married to Patricia McCarthy and later married Martha Sauls on Dec. 2, 1950.

Originally he was a self-employed painter and decorator; upon moving to Maine he worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and then as an O.A.D.A.P. substance abuse licensing specialist for the state. He was responsible for developing the criteria for certifying substance abuse counselors in Maine. He also served as a pilot during World War II in the Aleutian Islands in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

He was a lifelong church member, principally in the Stony Brook Community Church in New York and the New Sharon and Farmington United Methodist churches. Faith was the basis of 40 years of sobriety, providing a touchstone for a commitment to serve his community. He was active in the recovery community. He also spearheaded the opening of a residential home for adolescents, served on the school board, representing New Sharon and helping institute a gifted-and-talented program. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his zest for life.

He is survived by his wife, Martha, of 55 years; a daughter, Betsy Robbins and her husband, David W., of Farmington; two sons, Folger Cleaveland Jr. of New Bedford, Mass., and Robert Cleaveland of Thomaston; four grandchildren, Tirzah, Hannah, Carlah and Henry; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth; and his brother, Hardy.