Anson T. Perley, 85, passed away Jan. 5 at Maine Medical Center in Portland, following a brief illness.
He was born Jan. 23, 1921, the son of Fred Perley and Abbie True of Vassalboro.
Anson was salutatorian of Coburn Classical Institute in 1939. While in high school, he was an outstanding track and cross-country runner and received an athletic scholarship from Colby College.
In 1941, he married Thelma Berry, and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 15 of last year. Soon after their wedding, the couple moved to Damariscotta.
During WWII, he served with B Company, 394th Infantry in Europe during the Battle of the Bulge, the closing of the Ruhr Pocket, and the occupation of Germany.
In 1956, the couple founded Perley’s Greenhouse, a business that supported their family until it was sold in 1976. During those years, he served on the Board and as president of the Maine State Florist Association.
From 1960-63, Anson was First Selectman of Damariscotta when the greenhouse became the ad hoc town office. In 1973, he was one of the founders of the Damariscotta Bank & Trust Co. and until recently, served as a director.
As a second career, Anson and Thelma started Perley Realty in 1977, and he continued to be an active real estate broker into his eighties.
Anson was an outdoorsman, stemming from the years when he grew up on a Vassalboro farm. He and Thelma were avid campers and traveled to campgrounds in all the lower 48 states, and were members of the Good Sam Club. He enjoyed hiking, skiing, flower and vegetable gardening, and cutting and splitting his own firewood as recently as last summer.
As a longtime member of the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle, Anson served as trustee, deacon, and church president. His other community activities were president of the local PTA, membership in the American Legion, the Damariscotta/Newcastle Lions Club, and the Lincoln County Realtors Association. He was a 62-year Golden Sheaf member of Nobleboro Grange #369.
Survivors include his wife, Thelma Berry Perley of Damariscotta; son, Kenton Perley and wife Mollie of New Harbor; daughter, Sonia Clime and husband Richard of Bristol; sister, Marjorie Lewis of Cheyenne, Wyo.; grandchildren, Andrea Perley Cox and husband Ryan of Damariscotta, Emily Clime of Pompano Beach, Fla., and Ethan Clime of Bristol; and great-granddaughter, Hanna Mae Cox of Damariscotta.
Visiting hours 4-6 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 11 at Strong Funeral Home in Damariscotta.
Memorial service 11 a.m., Fri., Jan. 12 at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle, with Rev. Kenneth Dale presiding.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Congregational Church, 41 Main St., Newcastle, ME 04553.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.