Lawrence (Larry) Dumont, 89, of Newcastle, passed away peacefully at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta on the morning of Jan. 8. One of nine siblings, Larry was born in Fairfield to Mattie and Joseph Dumont.
He attended local schools and graduated Lawrence High School. At 18 years old, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and joined Company D of the 278th Engineers Combat Battalion and served in the European Theater during WWII. He attained the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and earned the Good Conduct and Victory Medals, and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon before leaving the army at the end of the war. Larry attended Thomas College in Waterville, where his wife of 49 years, Therese Pepin, of Waterville also attended at an earlier time.
Larry and Therese made their home in Waterville, Waldoboro, and moved to Newcastle in 1965 with their five children. Larry enjoyed golf, woodworking, and bird hunting with his many bird dogs that he trained himself. He also had a great love of the outdoors, particularly vegetable gardening, which he passed on to his children.
Larry made many long-time friends at GTE Sylvania in Waldoboro where he worked for 30-plus years as an accountant and controller. After retirement from GTE, Larry and Therese spent summers in Newcastle and winters in Palmetto, Fla. They spent many days on Anna Maria Island and evenings playing cards with friends at the CoachHouse.
Larry and Therese were active members of St. Patrick’s Parish in Newcastle for many years. Larry served as Lector and served on the Finance Committee of the Parish Counsel.
Larry was predeceased by his older brother, Henry who lost his life serving his country in WWII; and by his wife of 49 years, Therese Pepin Dumont.
He is survived by children, Andrea Handel, Mary Anne Dumont, Larry Dumont Jr., Ted Dumont, and Suzanne Gastaldo; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his more recent loving companion, Betty Mildrum; sisters, Kathleen Dumont, Florence Theberge, Marguerite Begin, and Theresa Violette; and brothers, Joe and Richard Dumont.
Visiting hours are planned for 5-7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 24 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A funeral mass will be held 11 a.m., Sat., Jan. 25 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle. A reception will follow the service, also at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the New St. Patrick’s Church Building Fund, c/o St. Patrick’s Church, 380 Academy Hill Rd., PO Box 598, Newcastle, ME 04543.
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.
