YARMOUTH — Earle C. Hildreth Jr., 76, of Yarmouth, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Aug. 5.

Earle was born in Lewiston in 1933, the son of Earle C. Hildreth Sr. and Gladys V. (Booker) Hildreth. Earle grew up on a farm in Lisbon with his parents and two sisters, Erna and Evelyn. He enjoyed working on the farm with his family and developed a passion for music from his father. Earle was blessed with a special gift for music and played the piano, banjo, guitar and fiddle. He could hear a tune and play it instantly, without any formal training. Earle was proud of his Maine heritage and his Hildreth genealogy. He traced his roots to Paul Hildreth, the founder of Lewiston, and Horace A. Hildreth, the fifty-ninth governor of Maine.

Earle enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Lisbon High School in 1952. He served in Alaska for 2-1/2 years, before Alaska was granted statehood. Earle had many fond memories of his time in the Air Force and was proud of his service, and the service of others, to his country. He was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.

Earle graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 1962, with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He passed the professional engineering exam a few years later. Earle worked as an electrical engineer for the USDA for more than 35 years. He worked with over 30 rural telephone companies in New England and New York throughout his career. He developed many close friends in the industry, keeping in touch with them long after his retirement in 1998. Earle’s interest in telephones inspired his involvement in the local chapter of the Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association (ITPA), where he served as president. He was a lifelong member and was actively involved in the ITPA’s charitable work, which received recognition through a memorial brick at the Ronald McDonald House in Portland. Earle also served as director of the Old Telephone Museum in Belfast and trustee of the Bryant Pond Crank Phone Museum.

Earle is survived by his loving wife of nearly 27 years, Cynthia A. Hildreth, and his three children, Earle C. Hildreth III of Portland, Rebekah M. Hildreth of Portland, and Ryan A. Hildreth and his wife, Valerie, of San Diego, Calif. He is also survived by two sisters, Erna H. Smith of Lisbon Falls, and Evelyn Hodge and her husband, Bill, of Claremont, N.H. Earle is survived by special nieces and nephews, Eugene “Charlie” Smith and his wife, Kathy, of Lisbon Falls, Eileen Porter and her husband, Greg, of Bangor, Glenn Hodge and his wife, Chris, of Springfield, N.H., and Janis Hodge of Claremont, N.H., as well as their families.

Earle was predeceased by his beloved nephew, Errol Smith, of Lisbon. Earle had many close and loyal friends from all over the country, many of whom extended support to him in his final days.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the many family members, friends and caregivers who provided excellent support and care for Earle. He felt humbled by the outpouring of love and encouragement that he received.

Thoughts, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Hildreth family by visiting Earle’s guestbook at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.