Neils J. Sorenson

Scarborough- Neils J. Sorenson, 87, of Westbrook, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2012 with his wife at his side. The fourth child of Emma I. (Shurr) and Fred Ole Sorenson he was born September 28, 1924 in Oswego N.Y. The family later moved to Portland where he was raised and educated. During his third year at Deering High School he signed up with the National Guard. When World War II was declared his unit was transferred into the regular Army (118th Quarter Master Corp.) where he served 5 years (3 years in Iceland). After being honorably discharged in June of 1945,Neils met the love of his life, Patricia Haskell. They married in May of 1946. Working in the building business was his life, first working for Fox Lumber and going on to Wm.T. Kelley Contractor, H.F. Farnham Company, Winde-McCormick and lastly starting his own business Neils Sorenson Hardware, which he actively ran until just two weeks prior to his death. He loved building and built two houses and a much loved camp on Sebago Lake for his family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (Houlihan Council), Pride’s Corner Fire Department, and served as Building Chairman for St. Edmunds Church. Neils is presently a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Portland. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, John F. Sorenson, and a sister, Madelene A. Rhodes. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia (Haskell), daughters Donna E. Osleger and husband David of Vernon, Ct., Cynthia A. Harvey and husband Christopher of Westbrook, JoAnne Black and husband Ira of Scarborough;10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, a brother, Richard T. Sorenson, of Portland, and a sister, Pauline Varney of Windham. Family and Friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Jones, Rich, and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 29 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 673 Stevens Ave., Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland Maine. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Neil’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Office, 74 Gray Rd, Falmouth ME 04105. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Neil’s guestbook.