Harry W. Sidelinger Sr., 72, of Newcastle, passed away at the MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, on the afternoon of March 30, 2026 with his sister and sons by his side. Born in Gardiner on Jan. 27, 1954, he was the son of Harold and Gloria (Erving) Sidelinger.
Harry grew up in Newcastle, where he attended the Franklin School and Lincoln Academy before joining the U.S. Army. Harry served stateside before his honorable discharge. Upon leaving the Army, he moved to Massachusetts and continued to serve with the Massachusetts National Guard.
Harry was a man of many skills and his working career saw him do many jobs throughout the years. In both Massachusetts and Maine he worked for many years as an auto mechanic. He also worked in construction, for Hunt Brothers Lumber, Bath Iron Works, and for many years worked for Don Hunt doing mechanic work, logging, and paving.
Outside of work, Harry loved collecting old motors, finding treasures in what others might consider “junk,” and playing dominoes and rummy. He could often be found riding lawn tractors (and in recent years, his wheelchair) down West Hamlet Road to visit with neighbors. He adored his grandchildren, enjoyed playing Uno with them, and cherished spending time with all his family. He was even known to throw himself a birthday party (not necessarily on his birthday) just as a way to get the family together. Harry had a wonderful sense of humor, and despite recent health struggles that led to the loss of both legs, he continued to have a great attitude and never lost that sense of humor.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Tom and Peter Sidelinger; sister, Carol Jackson; as well as two infant siblings.
He is survived by his sister, Sallie Sidelinger; three sons, Andrew and his wife, Jennifer, Jason and his wife, Jill, and Harry Jr. and his wife, Kimberly; and five grandchildren, Gloria, Sarah, Ava, Luke, and Madison; as well as his ex-wife and mother of his sons, Debra Sheehan.
A time of visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, April 9 with a funeral to follow at 11 a.m. at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta. He will be laid to rest at a later date in the Pine Knoll Cemetery in Newcastle.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences and messages for his family may be expressed by visiting stronghancock.com.
