1924 – 2015

SOUTH PARIS — Delmore Albion Maxfield Sr., 91, of Waterford, passed peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris.

Born August 15, 1924, in Harrison, son of Harry J. and Helen (Woodsum) Maxfield, he graduated from Bridgton High School Class of 1943 as valedictorian.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1943 to 1945. He was a decorated rifleman of the 5th Ranger Battalion and a proud World War II veteran, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star recipient.

He was an avid carpenter, inventor and craftsman, having built many family homes, furniture, toys and walking canes. He was quite ingenious, often creating many unique gadgets for many common purposes. He had many hobbies including restoring antique engines, building remote control cars, planes, boats and trucks; tinkering with almost anything.

He and his brother, Harold, founded and operated Maxfield Brothers in Harrison for more than two decades, and he continued to work with Searles Excavation for several years after he and his brother sold their interest to Gary Searles. In addition to his love of driving the bulldozer, he was also well-known for introducing 9:30 a.m. coffee breaks to any crew he was a part of (including his many grand, great-grand and great-great grands).

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Barbara, and his dear dog, Betsey, of Waterford; by his eldest daughter, Susan Searles-Gazza and son, Delmore A. Maxfield Jr. (Butch) and his wife, Cathleen; grandchildren, Carol Doucette of Waterford, Chris Searles of Harrison, Kim Todd of Hampden and her husband, Jim, Deb Maxfield of Bethel, Donovan Maxfield of Durham and his wife, Barbara, Dan Maxfield of Harrison and his wife, Kelly, James Gazza of Connecticut and his fiancee, Nicole, Randy Gazza of Harrison and his wife, Linda, and Richard Gazza of New Hampshire and his wife, Michele, Josh Bradbury of Texas and his wife, Kara, Justin Bradbury of New York and his wife, Shanon; and 19 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents; his infant daughter, Sally Anne; his brother, Harold Maxfield; and his sister, Mary Helen Barber.

Condolences can be expressed by visiting www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.