Obituary of Harris A. Danforth

Harris A. Danforth, 90, of Norridgewock, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on March 14, 2011, at Togus VA. He was surrounded by his loving family. Harris was born in Waterville on May 3, 1920, the oldest son of Ruel Danforth and Levina Muzeroe Danforth. In 1940, he married Eleanor Hatto. In 1947, they welcomed into their life their daughter, Susan. They made their home in Norridgewock, where they raised Susan and their two grandsons, Shannon and Harris. As a young man, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and served in Greenville and Southwest Harbor. He later served his country in the Navy aboard the USS Colahan DD-658 from 1943 to 1945. His military service in the Pacific as a machinist mate second class was a great source of pride for him and his family. He was a proud member of the Tin Can Sailor Association and he was also a member of the American Legion in Madison. After returning from World War II, he worked as a meat cutter for Richard Sampson and then Ray Burrell, as well as being employed by Norrwock Shoe. He later went to work for Kenton Quint as one of the original telephone lineman for Somerset Telephone. He worked there until his retirement in 1982. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor, of 65 years; brothers Ray and Calvin; as well as many family and friends that he held close to his heart. Harris is survived by his daughter, Susan, and son-in-law Frank; grandchildren Shannon Mosher and his significant other, Beverly Jean, Harris Danforth and his wife, Michele, Chris Mott and his significant other, Sue Chapman, and Tiffany Pellerin and her significant other, Keith Rivard; great-grandchildren Dalton and Cody Mosher, Madison, Reese and Tanner Danforth, Misty and Myles Mott, Tristan, Trey and Gracie Pellerin, and Lauren Rivard; great-great-granddaughter Madallynne Mosher; as well as special cousin Lettie Smith of Calais; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend an extra-special thank-you to Denise for the excellent care, love, friendship, and many laughs we have shared throughout his illness. You are a true angel and you are loved. Dr. Lash (Dr. Flash), thank you for your gentleness and kindness. Your dedication to him made a difficult experience more bearable for him and for all of us. Thank you from the deepest depths of our hearts. Thank you to the physician assistant Edie, to all of the nursing staff, and all others involved in making him as comfortable as possible during his stay. It means so much to the family that there are special caring people at Togus to care for our loved ones in such a loving and respectful way. Thank You! The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations are made to the Disabled Veterans of America, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301; or the First Congregational Church, 36 River Road, Norridgewock, ME 04957. A service will be held on March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Norridgewock with the Rev. Nathan Richards presiding. Casual attire please.