Harold Walter Small

AUBURN – Harold Walter Small, 78, of Turner, passed away peacefully at The Androscoggin Hospice on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, from Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born in Lewiston, as the son of Walter E. Small and Methyl E. (Trask) of East Sumner on Oct. 26, 1944. Harold graduated from Leavitt Institute in 1963 and attended Farmington State Teachers College, until the military draft.

In 1966, he enlisted into the Navy. Harold’s first employment was on the combat assault and aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany. Shortly after his arrival in Vietnam he was assigned to the Mobile River Force as a gunner on the Vietnam’s Mekong River. Being a Mainer, he proudly flew the State of Maine flag on his boat, during every mission.

Harold’s second assignment was as a Boatswain’ mate on a fast combat supply ship, U.S.S. Sacramento.

He was honorably discharged in 1972. Harold received numerous meritorious service awards, including the Purple Heart. When asked if he’d repeat his military service, he replied, “yes” without hesitation. Harold was a proud and true American citizen and Patriot throughout his entire life.

Upon his discharge, Harold reentered college. He married Linda Burke of Gray on Aug. 28, 1971. Harold earned a B.S. degree from the University of Maine and began teaching at ELHS. He also acquired a M.A. degree and became an administrator at Walton School and later at OHMS. He developed numerous long-lasting friendships, during his educational career.

Once retired, Harold became involved with the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, as an Ambassador of Patriotism in the Veteran Interview Program for Students.

Harold was a sport minded athlete in baseball, basketball, football ice hockey and golf. With baseball being his favorite sport, he became a coach for Auburn’s Suburban Little League in the minor and major divisions. He played for the Turner town men’s baseball team and joined a rec basketball team. Harold also enjoying playing in Lewiston’s Contractors Ice Hockey team with his brother, Larry and nephew, Dan. As a member of the MSGA, he played golf throughout the state and loved his golf vacations. Harold was a HUGE fan of the Giants, Patriots and Bruins.

As an avid sportsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brothers, friends, and a special nephew, Dan Small, of whom he thought more of as brother than nephew. Those adventures took Harold throughout the state of Maine, Canada, and Wyoming.

His greatest pride in and love of was his family. Harold relished opportunities in: sharing quality time with them and watching them participate in various activities. He was extremely proud of his two daughters’ accomplishments and of the amazing women they evolved into. His grandsons brought added joy and love into his life. Harold, unequivocally, was an awesome family man!

Anyone who knew Harold was blessed to have him in their lives and left with us a lifetime of cherished loving memories.

Harold’s family holds a deep appreciation for the compassionate and professional staff at Androscoggin Homecare and Hospice, who guided our loved one peacefully to his final journey in life.

Harold is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Linda (Burke) Small of Turner; two daughters, Jennifer Carver (husband Justin) of Turner and Jessica Small (companion Jason Parrott) of Wayne; three grandsons, Grayson, and Aidan Carver; one brother, Larry Small (wife Claire); loved aunt, sister-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his brother, Norman “Zack”.

Online condolences, photos, and comments may be viewed and added to by visiting Harold’s memorial page through The Fortin Group, Auburn website.

Harold’s family will receive visitors at the Fortin Group Funeral Home in Auburn on Sunday, Jan. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. A full military funeral service will be held at Fortin’s on Monday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. A private Interment will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in Harold’s memory to:

Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals,

P.O. Box 10,

South Windham, ME 04062

(online msspa.org) or

Cliff Vining Scholarship Fund, Maine Community Foundation,

245 Main St.

Ellsworth, ME 04605

(ATTN: make checks out to Maine Community Foundation)