BRIDGTON – Harold J. Peterson, 85, of Bridgton, passed away peacefully Friday, May 16, at Bridgton Hospital with his family by his side. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Bridgton on Jan. 19, 1923, the son of Henry and Hilda (Johannson) Peterson. He graduated from Bridgton High School in 1941. He faithfully served his country in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He married Hilda Heino on Oct. 21, 1950. He was a member of the Local 716 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union for over 50 years. He worked throughout New England until his retirement. He was a member of the Finnish-American Heritage Society of Maine. “Pete” lived most of his life on the farm he was born in and enjoyed everything associated with the farm including his John Deere tractors, gardening, haying and cutting firewood. He loved to be outside and had a knack for repairing virtually anything. He was known for his honesty, intelligence, generosity, caring nature, dry sense of humor and willingness to help others. A humble and dignified man, he took great pride in his family and chosen profession. He enjoyed telling stories from year’s past, his wife’s cooking, his faithful dog Max and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Hilda, of Bridgton; daughters, Wendy Almlov and her husband, Glenn, of Bridgton, Wanda Coffin and her husband, Kerry, of Henniker, N.H.; and three grandchildren, Alison Almlov Fenton and her husband, Daryl, of Naples, Erik Almlov of Bridgton and Sue Coffin of Henniker, N.H. He is survived by brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Edgar Peterson; sisters, Lilly Holmes, Weve Nunan, Agda Haughn and Edith Semmes; and a granddaughter, Mary Coffin.