1920 – 2012

LEWISTON — Oscar M. Hartford passed away on Saturday, Oct. 13, with his family at his side and the memories of a lifetime of accomplishments and endeavors shared with relatives, friends and the community.

Oscar was born on May 9, 1920, to Floyd and Lena Hartford of Leeds. He worked hard and walked hundreds of miles over the years to get an education and graduate from Monmouth Academy, Class of 1937. During his early years he worked for the Sawyer Farms in Greene and the South Portland Shipyard, prior to enlisting in the military.

On July 24, 1941, Oscar married Geneva Carville, a soul mate he met through her relatives. They had three sons, Tom, Dick and Bob.

Oscar’s military service started in 1944 as a volunteer with a deep sense of patriotism. He served in the European Theater as a combat infantryman with the Fourth Armored Division, where he saw combat in Belgium and Germany. Following the war, he served in counterintelligence until his discharge in 1946. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Bronze Star. Later he joined the Maine National Guard and served as an infantryman until his discharge in 1951 as a sergeant first class.

Upon returning home from the war, he worked for Atherton Furniture, Lewiston, and perfected his woodworking skills, which he shared with many over the years. Eventually, Oscar found an opportunity with the Thomas White Insurance Agency, Lewiston. He thoroughly enjoyed the profession and the challenges and moved onto the Cobb Winslow Insurance Agency, Lewiston. Over time, he bought the agency and several others to form The Hartford Insurance Agency, a place that grew at a phenomenal rate with his leadership and dedicated employees.

Oscar was not just about work, family and country. He enjoyed having fun, sharing laughs, and encouraging his sons to do things he wished he could. There was never a dull moment in his life. He was active in the Masons, where he served as past master of Ashlar Lodge, was an officer in Maine Grand Lodge, and visited every lodge in Maine. He was an instructor for the National Ski Patrol and served on the ski patrols of Lost Valley and Mt. Abram, plus several World Cup races.

He was known locally for drilling the Lewiston High School band for over 10 years and guiding them to several state and New England championships. He was active with Cub Scouts and served in many key community roles. He also found time to be an officer in Kiwanis, drill the Livermore Falls American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, serve on the state of Maine Tramway Board, and organized blood drives for the Masons and American Red Cross. His love of the outdoors led him to being a Maine Guide.

With all his time devoted to the family and service to others, he still found time to build a home. One house was not enough; he built a chalet in Bryant Pond so he and Gin could be closer to the ski slopes and their ski patrol responsibi1ities. The Chalet was a place with a lot of warmth and laughter, especially during ski season.

Oscar built a network of snowmobile and ATV trails on his land that were open to the public. He was always available to help his sons, grandchildren and relatives with their building projects and to pass along some of the old skills he had learned growing up.

Oscar loved the outdoors and being there with his family. Activities included hiking, boating, canoeing, hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, snowmobiling and ATVing. He had many memories from times spent at Sebago Lake, Mt. Katahdin and Mt. Washington. He could always be seen carrying the nieces, nephews and grandchildren on his shoulders. Life was good!

Oscar is survived by two sons; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.

He was predeceased by his wife; a son; his parents; and six brothers and sisters.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for all their support during these times.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

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