Albert E. Armstrong, “Al”, 78, of Jefferson, passed away on the morning of Jan. 22 at Maine Medical Center in Portland, with his loving family by his side. A native Mainer, he was born in a farmhouse in Jefferson on Jan. 13, 1941, to Fred and Maxine (McKay) Armstrong.
He attended local schools and joined the U.S. Army in 1959, serving honorably until his discharge in 1966. On Oct. 20, 1962, he married the love of his life, Mariaelana White in Jamestown, R.I.
Al worked as an auto mechanic for various dealerships throughout his life, as well as owning his own garage for a time in Damariscotta. He then worked at Bath Iron Works, retiring from BIW in 2011 after 22 years of service there.
He joined the Army Reserves in Rockland in 1977, and served for four years, getting done in 1981. He was a lifetime member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was also a member of the Gardiner Eagles Organization.
Al was an avid hunter for most of his life. He taught his children and grandchildren about hunting and responsible gun ownership, which he learned from his grandfather, Albert Weaver. As a couple, Al and Maria enjoyed camping and riding motorcycles. He also played catcher for an adult softball team, enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening, and most of all enjoyed eating lobsters from his favorite lobsterman, Lewis Cameron.
Besides his parents, Al was predeceased by sister, Geneva Little; and brother who passed away just one month earlier, Eugene Armstrong.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mariaelana White Armstrong; son, Albert Armstrong Jr. and wife Jody; daughter, Mariaelana Armstrong Solorzano and husband Christopher of Jefferson; son, Aaron Armstrong and wife Crystal of Windsor; grandchildren, Gabriel Solorzano, Emma Solorzano Craig and husband Cody, Lily Solorzano, Nathaniel Solorzano, Austin Armstrong, and Ariana Armstrong; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A time of visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m., Sat., Feb. 2 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A service to remember Al will follow at 1 p.m., also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest, with military honors, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the spring.
Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
