Rumford – Sidney V. Sassi, 86, of Rumford, died June 26, at Rumford Hospital. His nephew Bruce Bulger, who looked up to him as a Dad, was by his side.

Sid was born in Frankfort on May 21, 1920, the son of Gaitano and Margaret (Curtis) Sassi.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He worked for the Oxford Paper Co., then Boise Cascade until his retirement.

He loved going to the horse races and betting on the horses. He always planted a garden in spring and tinkered on many little projects at home.

He loved his family and would do anything for them. Having to leave his home on Maple Street after 77 years, he moved to his nephew Bruce and Brenda Bulger’s home, with accommodations built for him, where he became part of the Bulger family, which included Ryan Kerr and Alicia and Desiree Bulger.

He resided with them for five years and left them with many fond memories, including whale watches, trips to Gray Animal Farm, Boothbay Harbor, Acadia National Park and New Brunswick, Canada, to mention a few.

He is survived by a sister, Geraldine Rowe and husband, John, of Rouses Point, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Toni Sassi of Rumford; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Vivian Bulger Crockett; and his brother, Lloyd Sassi.