William R. Tolman Sr. Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of William R. Tolman Sr. (New Portland, Maine), who passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 85, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
He is survived by: his parents, Arlo Reese and Marcie Reese; and his brother Gussie Surrette.
So strong and... " - Maureen Mootrey View Sign William "Bill" R. Tolman Sr. 1933 - 2018 NEW PORTLAND - William "Bill" R. Tolman Sr. passed away peacefully holding the hand of his wife at Maple Crest Nursing home on Thursday August 16, 2018. Bill was born in Malden Mass. on May 7, 1933 to Elizabeth and William F. Tolman. He lived in Malden until he was 13 years old, then his family moved to Gloucester, Mass. That was when he met and married the girl next door. On August 1, 1953, he married Harriett Enslow. They raised nine of their ten children in Gloucester, then in 1980 they packed the last three of their children up and moved to New Portland, Maine. They bought and remodeled the Wire Bridge Diner. Bill was a jack of all trades. As a young boy he delivered milk, ice, wood and coal by horse and wagon in Boston. He was a steeplejack, a solider in the US Army, carpenter, maintenance man at Gorton's of Gloucester, owner operator of the Wire Bridge Diner and maintenance man on Sugarloaf. After retiring, he and his wife raised the last of their ten children. They always loved having children around so they became foster parents to approximately 26 children. Bill loved to be around his family, hunting with his brothers, fishing, and gardening. He was always helping people remodel, tinkering on cars and helping friends and neighbors. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Harriett A. Tolman of New Portland; daughters Kathy and husband Sam Pusateri of Essex, Mass., Suzanne and husband Frank Genovese of Gloucester Mass., Heidi Tolman and partner Lorie Agren of New Portland, Nikita Tolman and boyfriend Dan Roy of Kingfield, Kim Dean, and Traci Tolman; brothers, Wallace and wife Dorothy Burbine of Manchester, Mass., Kenneth Tolman of New Portland, Lester and wife Rayleen Tolman of Strong, and sister Phyllis and husband Pete Sova of Gloucester, Mass. Bill was the proud grandfather to 23 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 22 great-grandchildren and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his parents Bill and Betty (Liza) Tolman; his sons, Scott T. Tolman Sr, William R. Tolman Jr; daughters, Terri Beth and Lisa Anne; grandson, Jonathan Brooks; brothers, Benny, and Bernard Burbine; and sister, Noonie (Rosemarie). Our family would like to thank the staff at Maple Crest Rehab. Facility and the staff at the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center and many other medical staff at Maine Medical in Portland , and Togus, VA hospital, the North Star ambulance service for their kindness and compassion over the past few month and some over the past few year. A very special thank you to Mary Dexter and Lynette Abbott from the Androscoggin Home Care for their many years of taking care of and helping to get Bill back on his feet. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018, at West New Portland Church, 94 River Rd., New Portland at 10 am. Fellowship to follow in the community room at the New Portland Fire Station in East New Portland. Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976. In lieu of flower we would like donations sent to: Maple Crest Rehab. Facility for Residential Activities 174 Main St. Madison, ME 04950 Funeral Home Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service.
