Hugo Komulainen

STANDISH — Hugo Komulainen, 90, left this world Thursday, March 2, after a couple of years of declining health at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough.

He was born to Kalle and Annie (Huotari) Komulainen in Sumner (West Paris), the youngest of seven children. He attended local schools and graduated from West Paris High School in the Class of 1945, and then went to work at the local sled factory. In 1947, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to Military Intelligence Headquarters, IIT Section, in Germany. After 18 months, he chose to return to civilian life.

Hugo met Gloria Merrill in 1948 and they were married for 63 years. They started their journey in Kansas City, Mo., where he went to watch-making school and became a jeweler. They then traveled to Massachusetts, where they bought their first home in Merrimac and had two sons, David and Thomas, and a daughter, Diane. Hugo’s work history included but was not limited to manager at Foden’s Jewelry; assistant engineer in a color TV lab developing the first rectangular color TV, the CBS Hytron; supervisor of small instruments used in the Hawk missile at Raytheon Missile System Co.; and a foreman with sonobuoy research at Sanders & Associates. In 1967, they moved to Windham and purchased Long Village Motel, to be closer to family.

Hugo was able to find a job in Maine at Danforth as a supervisor in the assembly department. He completed his management career at age 58, retiring from the Reece Corp., where he started as a foreman and eventually became general manager. After 13 years in Windham, they moved to Standish. He worked part time at NAPA and the Hanold Co. and took over the house chores until Gloria retired. They then became a team again and baby sat their grandchildren together.

Over the years, Hugo was member of the Windham Hill Church and a delegate for Standish Congregational Church. A member of the Finnish-American Society, he loved attending their outings with his siblings. He was proud of his Finnish heritage, but above all, he took the most pride in his family. His home and garden were always well-maintained and he dabbled in woodworking. Hugo was a handyman and could fix anything. He was always there to help his children or his grandchildren, of whom he thought so much: Kiirsten, Kalle, Samantha, Chet, Eric, Tommy D, Jason, and great-grandchild, Austin. He enjoyed family gatherings or meeting up with the Merrill side at Cole Farms or at local restaurants, and traditions, celebrating Thanksgiving and special events. He was kind, loving and a true gentleman; a quiet man, never raising his voice, but when he spoke, his wisdom was valued. He was respected by all who knew him, including his employees, and loved by so many. A terrific son, husband, brother and father, he will be truly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife in 2012; and siblings, Alpa, Laina, Bill, Miina, Elvi and Toivo.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Beth, Linda and Jody; his grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Doris Komulainen, Eloise Collette and Bee Merrill; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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