Anthony D. Hildreth

Decorated veteran Anthony D. Hildreth fought in many battles aboard the USS Alaska during WWII, but Alzheimer's was one battle through which he would not emerge victoriously. Tony passed away on Nov. 3 at the age of 87, surrounded by the people he loved dearly and those who in turn held him in high esteem. He was the eldest of six children born to Winfield and Mavis Bradbury Hildreth in the family home at 108 Spring Street in Lewiston. Primary and secondary education was received at local schools. Tony had a brief career as a welterweight boxer before enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He was immediately sent to Philadelphia for training and within months became a powderman on his ship's 5 inch guns. During his military service, Seaman First Class Hildreth earned a number of medals and saw action in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Philippines and Pearl Harbor. When the war ended, Tony left Tsingtao, China and returned to Maine, securing a job in the freight yard of the Bates Mill, unloading bales of cotton and reams of cloth, and preparing them for processing. After a number of in-between jobs he was hired in the letter press department at Geiger Bros, and became a pressman, responsible for the production of calendars, date books, and the ever popular Farmer's Almanac. He remained at Geiger Bros. until his retirement in 1990. Tony enjoyed a variety of activities during his later years. His best friend and brother in law Pete Ramsey took him on many a road trip to Rangeley and the surrounding areas, even in the midst of his unforgiving disease. Tony mourned the loss of Pete to cancer in June of 2000. He was also an active member of the New Auburn Social Club as well as the American Legion Post 153, and treasured the camaraderie that he shared with other servicemen there. Nothing, however, was more important to Tony than spending time with his family, especially the 3 cherished grandchildren who filled his heart with joy and pride. Tony was a wise and quiet man of few words, but his dry sense of humor was second to none, and his heart was as big as all outdoors. He was a caring and generous husband, a wonderfully affectionate father and grandfather, and he made a positive impression on everyone whose lives he touched. Tony is survived by a large and loving family who will miss his presence. His wife of 66 years, Bessie Liarakos Hildreth of Auburn, was his constant companion and caregiver from the very beginning of their marriage to the very end. He leaves two daughters: Sharon Bryant and husband Steve, of Auburn and Marcia Hildreth and her life partner Linda LaDouceur of Gray. Grandchildren include Anthony Murphy, wife Sarah and sons James, Tucker and Tighe of Hudson, MA; Rebecca Murphy of Nashua, N.H.; and Amanda Crippen and husband Trevor of Roslindale, MA. Surviving siblings include his brother Charles and wife Nancy of Hollis, N.H., his sister Mildred Van Ham and husband Robert of Jamaica Plains, MA, his sister Gloria Drew of Litchfeld, and his sister Natalie Spiller of Auburn. Tony also leaves behind nieces and nephews too numerous to list but whom he loved deeply. He was predeceased by his younger brother Winfield and brothers in law Edward Spiller and Dana Drew. The family would like to extend their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the staff medical professionals at the Maine Veterans Home for their exceptional care and also to the remarkable Amy Herrick -Bigonski. Words cannot express how highly you are thought of and how fortunate we feel to have met you. You took care of Tony with such devotion, as if he were your own father, and you always treated him with the dignity and respect that he so deserved. Our family will never forget the compassion you showed to all of us. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all that you have done and for being the special person that you are. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Anthony's life by visiting his guest book at: www.thefortingroupaubuurn.com

Visitation Fortin Auburn 5-8pm, Friday, November 7. Funeral Service Saturday, November 8 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 11 AM. Committal will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in New Auburn. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony's memory may be made to the Maine Veteran's Home, 477 High Street, South Paris, Maine 04281 or the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 155 Hogan Road, Lewiston, Maine, 04240. A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. AUBURN 783-8545.