1927 – 2014

AUBURN — Decorated veteran Anthony D. Hildreth fought in many battles aboard the USS Alaska during World War II, but Alzheimer’s was one battle through which he would not emerge victoriously. Tony passed away on Monday, Nov. 3, at the age of 87, surrounded by the people he loved dearly and those who in turn held him in high esteem.

He was the eldest of six children born to Winfield and Mavis Bradbury Hildreth in their family home at 108 Spring St. in Lewiston. Primary and secondary education was received at local schools.

Tony had a brief career as a welterweight boxer, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He was immediately sent to Philadelphia for training, and within months became a powderman on his ship’s 5-inch guns. During his military service, Seaman First Class Hildreth earned a number of medals and saw action in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Philippines and Pearl Harbor.

When the war ended, Tony left Tsingtao, China, and returned to Maine, securing a job in the freight yard of Bates Mill, unloading bales of cotton and reams of cloth, and preparing them for processing. After a number of in-between jobs, he was hired in the letter press department at Geiger Brothers, and became a pressman responsible for the production of calendars, date books and the ever-popular “Farmer’s Almanac.” He remained at Geiger Brothers until his retirement in 1990.

Tony enjoyed a variety of activities during his later years. His best friend and brother-in-law, Pete Ramsey, took him on many a road trip to Rangeley and the surrounding area, even in the midst of his unforgiving disease. Tony mourned the loss of Pete to cancer in June 2000.

He was also an active member of the New Auburn Social Club as well as the American Legion Post 153, and treasured the camaraderie he shared with other servicemen there. Nothing, however, was more important to Tony than spending time with his family, especially the three cherished grandchildren who filled his heart with joy and pride.

Tony was a wise and quiet man of few words, but his dry sense of humor was second to none and his heart was as big as all outdoors. He was a caring and generous husband, a wonderfully affectionate father and grandfather and he made a positive impression on everyone whose life he touched.

Tony is survived by a large and loving family who will miss his presence. His wife of 66 years, Bessie Liarakos Hildreth, of Auburn, was his constant companion and caregiver from the very beginning of their marriage to the very end. He leaves two daughters, Sharon Bryant and husband, Steve, of Auburn and Marcia Hildreth and her life partner, Linda LaDouceur, of Gray. Grandchildren include Anthony Murphy and wife, Sarah, and sons, James, Tucker and Tighe, of Hudson, Mass.; Rebecca Murphy, of Nashua, N.H.; and Amanda Crippen and husband, Trevor, of Roslindale, Mass. Surviving siblings include his brother, Charles and wife, Nancy, of Hollis, N.H.; his sister, Mildred Van Ham and husband, Robert, of Jamaica Plain, Mass.; his sister, Gloria Drew of Litchfield; and his sister, Natalie Spiller, of Auburn. Tony also leaves behind nieces and nephews too numerous to list, but whom he loved deeply.

He was predeceased by his younger brother, Winfield; and brothers-in-law, Edward Spiller and Dana Drew.

The family would like to extend their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the staff and medical professionals at the Maine Veterans’ Home for their exceptional care, and also to the remarkable Amy Herrick-Bigonski: words cannot express how highly you are thought of and how fortunate we feel to have met you. You took care of Tony with such devotion, as if he were your own father, and you always treated him with the dignity and respect he so deserved. Our family will never forget the compassion you showed to all of us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for all that you have done and for being the special person that you are.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Anthony’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.