Irving Achorn, 90, of New Harbor, died at home, as he wished, on July 13. His life was filled with family and friends, kite flying, photography, computers, sculpture, ceramics and a dry wit.
He was born in Mattapoisett, Mass. on Nov. 17, 1920. The Morse Code he learned as a Boy Scout enabled him to join the Signal Corps. during WWII. His life long passion for photography also began as a Scout.
His formal art education began at Swain Free School in New Bedford, Mass. From there, he went to Pratt Institute in New York City, majoring in industrial design. He was fortunate to work as a model maker for designers Eva Zeisel and Russell Wright. He met Katherine “Katie” Brandt while attending Pratt. They married on June 30, 1946 and left New York City for Ohio.
While teaching at Akron Art Institute, he completed a B.A. and M.A. from Kent State University. He became Dean of the Akron Art Institute and later founded the photography department at University of Akron. Irving and Katie were founding members of the Designer Craftsmen Association in the Akron area. Art, and the local art community, were a constant source of inspiration.
New Harbor had been home since 1984, when he and his wife retired here from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. They were dedicated supporters of the Bristol Area Library where he helped the library transition to computers.
He was predeceased by his wife, Katie Achorn; as well as brothers, Stanley Achorn and Robert Achorn III.
He is survived by his son, Peter Achorn of Tenants Harbor; daughters, Sara Achorn Brandt of Vancouver, Wash. and Linda Achorn Schreiber of Littleton, Mass.; granddaughters, Kathi Brandt, Stephanie Brandt Boyd and Lila Achorn Ward; grandson, Max Schreiber; and great-granddaughters, Natalie and Alexis Boyd.
Irving’s ashes will be spread on his garden and those of his children.
Friends are invited to a coffee, honoring both Katie and Irving Achorn, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fri., July 22 at 60 Rt. 32, New Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bristol Area Library, PO Box 173, New Harbor, ME 04554-0173.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
