Charles Edwards, 64

Charles Edwards, a resident of Gray, passed away at home on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. He was 64 years old.

He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., on July 6, 1945, the son of Charles and Geraldine Edwards. Charles served in three branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: the Navy, the Marines and the Army. He received a National Defense service medal, a Vietnam Service medal (o3 Bronze Star) and a Navy Unit commendation ribbon. He received an honorable discharge from all three branches. He graduated from High School and completed his Associate's degree at Manhattan Community College.

Charles was also an active member of the Freemasons. His secular occupation was with the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked until retirement. He met and fell in love with Jacqueline Seabrooks in 1969; they were married in 1970. Charles and Jackie lived in New York until 1993 when the Postal Service transferred Charles to Portland, where they settled down and built their permanent home. He had a passion for outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing and boating - and he also loved his dogs. We can say that he just loved the outdoors.

He was predeceased by his father, Charles; and brother, Carl. He is survived by his mother, Geraldine. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Jacqueline; two daughters, Misstie Pollard and Florence Edwards, D.D.S.; a son-in-law, Richard Pollard; several grand-nephews; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 8, 2010, at 12 p.m., in the Chapel at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Shannon B. Ronan 44

• Proud Family Man

Shannon B. Ronan, 44, was born on June 21, 1965, and raised in Rumford. He was killed in a tragic accident on Dec. 15, 2009.

He married Lisa Fortin on Oct. 30, 1996, and was the proud father of son Cullen, 12, and daughter Logan, 10. His whole world was his wife and children. He loved going to Patriots games with Cullen, going to daddy daughter dances with Logan and loved watching his kids play sports.

He graduated from Rumford High School in 1984 and worked at UPS for over 25 years. He is survived by his wife and two children; brothers and sisters, Sean and Amy Ronan, Cynthia and Linwood Rowe, Kristina and Bruce Walker, William and Diane Ronan Jr., Michael and Diana Ronan, Barbara and Kevin Bowen, Kevin Ronan; many cousins; nieces, nephews; and other loved ones. He was predeceased by parents, William and Frances Ronan Sr.; brother Thomas; and grandparents.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at St. Gregory's Parish, North Raymond Road, Gray. Father Ford will be the Celebrant. Arrangements under the care of Wilson Funeral Home, Gray. Memorial donations may be made to: Gray Parks and Recreation Program 6 Shaker Rd. Gray, Maine 04039.

Roland D. Villacci, 49

Roland D. Villacci, 49 PORTLAND -- Roland D. Villacci, 49, of Auburn Street, Portland, passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at a Portland hospital. He was born in Brunswick, the son of David Villacci and Sandra Wagner. Roland served in the U.S. Navy. Roland was taken from us after having an adventurous life.

Those who knew Roland knew his love for cars, especially Mustangs, as well as anything that would go fast. He was a certified mechanic and also a certified trainer and nutritionist. He was an amateur body builder as well as a health and fitness enthusiast. Roland had a vivid imagination and enjoyed inventing. He enjoyed bowling, especially with his nieces and nephews. Roland also had a love for music and cooking.

He is survived by his mother Sandra Wagner Philbrook of Portland; four brothers, Tom Villacci of Windham, Nick Villacci of Gray, Obie Villacci of Portland, and Erik Philbrook of Southborough, Mass.; nieces and nephews, Tony, Joey, Gina, Nicholas, Justin, and Anthony Villacci, and Emily and Jackson Philbrook; as well as a large extended family.

The family would like to express a special thanks to all, the trauma team, nursing staff, and support services staff, for attending to Roland's needs for the 4 days he was in critical care.

A memorial service will be held at the Emmanuel Assembly of God, 1571 Washington Ave., Portland on Friday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at Tom's Wheel's & Deals, on Rt. 302 in Windham. Arrangements are by Blais & Hay Funeral Home, Westbrook. Roland D. Villacci

Mark Strout, 32

Mark Strout, 32 BISHOP, Calif. -- Mark Strout, 32, of Bishop, Calif., died Aug. 23, 2009, in a Reno, Nev., hospital from a fatal car accident. He was born at Maine Medical Center in Portland on Sept. 3, 1976. He graduated from Gray- New Gloucester High School in 1996. He loved art, dragons and enjoyed being with family and friends. Surviving are his father Michael Strout of Portland, his mother Marcia Curtis of Waterford; two brothers, Mathew Strout of Bridgton, and Mitchell Strout of Warren; his daughter Jordyn of Big Pine, Calif., his son Christopher of Island Falls; grandparents, Anna Curtis of Falmouth, and Robert and Ethelyn Strout of Steep Falls; and nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Funeral services will be held on Oct. 16, at 11 a.m., at St. Hyacinth's Cemetery, Westbrook.

Steven M. Viola, 53

GRAY -- Steven M. Viola, 53, of Gray, died Monday after a scuba diving accident in Sebago Lake.

He was born in Portland on Sept. 3, 1956, and graduated from Deering High School. He was predeceased by his adoptive parents, Santino Viola and Alice (Dyer) Viola, and a step father, Charlie Farrin.

Steve was Catholic and grew up working for the family business of Santino J. Viola Demolition and later started his own business Viola Ventures. Steve had many talents, specializing in metals fabrication and incorporated these to build a diverse and successful company. He was a 'Steve of all trades.'

His hobbies included target shooting, hunting, gun collecting and motorcycling. He was a member of the NRA and local motorcycle club where he had many brothers. Steve was always there for his friends and family and would help anyone who asked. He was a hard working man with a great smile and an even greater heart. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and 'exaggerated' story telling.

Steve's greatest love was his family and working on their farm in Gray with his wife Stacy, daughter Olivia and his two dogs, Hudson and Lexie. He taught his son Brandon the tricks of his trade and enjoyed working with him through the years.

His wife Stacy Viola; daughter Olivia Viola, son Brandon Harkins; future daughter-in-law Katrina Gaboury; and a granddaughter, Sophia Harkins survive him. Also surviving are his mother, Connie Viola Farrin; sister Deb and her husband Rolland Kidder; and an extended family with his biological father Ronald Fournier of New York. He also has a step-sister, half brother and many cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with a reception following at the Woodfords Club next door.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Steven's guest book.
In lieu of flowers donations
may be made to:
The Animal Refuge League
P.O. Box 336
Westbrook, Maine 04098

Cecelia Liberty Austin, 91

Freeport, Cecelia Liberty Austin, 91, of Gray, formerly of North Yarmouth, died Oct.31, 2009.

She was born on June 30th, 1918, in Lewiston, the 10th of 15 children of Marie (Fortier) and Alfred Liberty.

After attending North Yarmouth Academy she worked as a cook at Pineland Center. On Sept. 20th, 1941 she married Kermit Austin and together they raised two sons. She also worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation and part-time at Cole Farms.

Cecelia was a devout Catholic and her faith and love was the bedrock that helped her meet any number of life's challenges. Her dedication to the entire family showed itself in her being always ready as a caregiver to anyone who needed help or care, be it her father, her husband, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces and especially her six grandchildren.

Cecelia was an outstanding cook and up until four years ago it was a family tradition that she made and decorated the birthday cakes for her grandchildren.
A woman of courage and strength she readily sacrificed for her family.

Cecelia is survived by her two sons, Ernest M. Austin and his wife Susan of Gray, Linwood N. Austin and his wife Carol of Yarmouth; six grandchildren, Brett, Braden, Blessing, Breanne, Casey and Monica; four great grandchildren, Ava, Cecelia, Hope and Holden; two sisters, Lillian Robinson of Harpswell, Irene Brown of Falmouth; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yarmouth on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Michael Pearson, 46

Michael Pearson, 46 On Oct. 20, 2009, Michael Ivar Pearson, 46, passed away after his courageous 15 year battle with brain cancer. His wife Betsy was by his side and their family was around them. Michael was born on July 31, 1963. He grew up in Athens and graduated from Madison High School in 1981. Michael joined the Maine State Police as a Trooper in 1989 and proudly served in the Southern Maine Region. During his career as a Trooper he was a member of the K9 team, the Traffic Division and Commercial Vehicle Unit. He also belonged to the neighborhood watch program and taught defensive driving. For a short time after retiring as a Trooper, Michael was employed by the SAD 6 school bus department as a bus driver.

He married his wife, Betsy on Oct. 10, 1992. Michael's favorite times were spent with Betsy and they lived and loved like there was no tomorrow. They were the love of each other's life and enjoyed every moment together. Everyone who knew them will tell you they set the example for soul mates and the perfect love. Michael enjoyed sailing, camping, and woodworking. He always looked forward to his annual hunting trip with his brothers. His greatest joys was sailing catamarans in the Caribbean, spending time at Moosehead Lake and flying with his brother Jerry. He enjoyed watching the Yankees and the Cowboys and took a lot of harassment for this. Michael and Betsy have many wonderful friends who love them and Michael always looked forward to their time spent with them.

Along with his wife Betsy, he is survived by a large family, his mother Betty Grant of Hartland and father and step mother Ivar and Fran Pearson of Madison; his brothers and sisters, Susan and Alex McDonald, Jerry and Deb Pearson, Mark and Becky Pearson, Alan and Alice Pearson; many nieces and nephews; and his wife's family, Barry and Sue Jenkins, Wendy and Dick Phillips and John Emery. Michael leaves us with sorrow in our hearts, laughter in our souls, and pride for having known and loved such a brave and wonderful man. Throughout his 15 year battle with cancer, Michael exhibited strength and determination to survive.

A celebration of his life will be held at the First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Rd., New Gloucester on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at 1 p.m.; with the Rev. Linda Gard officiating. A private burial will be held at the Lower Gloucester Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The eHope Foundation P.O. Box 7794 Portland, Maine 04112

Robert Wesley Pickens Sr. 80

Robert Wesley Pickens Sr. 80, rejoined his loving wife on September 19, 2009.

Mr. Pickens was born in Portland on March 15, 1929. He attended Cumberland Schools and served his country in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Naval Reserves.

He married Theresa Bragdon in 1952 and they spent the next 48 years raising their five children in the town of Gray.

Robert enjoyed long scenic rides with his wife, they often traveled the countryside enjoying the great state of Maine and visiting their favorite restaurants.
He loved deer hunting with his son and spent many days driving the back woods in search of a perfect hunting spot.

He was predeceased by his wife Theresa in 2001. He is survived by his five children Gloria of Yarmouth, Bob of Sabattus, Brenda & Sandy of Gray, Sherry of Old Orchard, his brother Norman and sister June, ten Grandchildren and nine Great Grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11a.m. Friday at West Cumberland Methodist Cemetery on Blackstrap Road, Cumberland. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home, Gray.