DEXTER – Albert Tempesta, 86, died Oct. 13, 2009, at a Pittsfield hospital. He was born May 15, 1923, in Lewiston, a son of Arthur and Rose (Frateschi) Tempesta. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II serving in the Pacific Theatre on the cruiser, the USS Baltimore, and an aircraft carrier, the USS Saginaw Bay. He was a plank owner on both vessels and received the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars. After the war, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Al was a self-employed auto dealer. His original car lot was in Norridgewock. In 1953 he opened Tempesta Motors, Dexter, which was a Dodge, Chrysler, Dodge truck and Willis Jeep franchise. A lifelong friend of Harold Alfond, he was privileged to have hand sewn the first five pairs of Dexter shoes. Al was an avid pilot and will be remembered for his floatplane at his camp on Lake Wassokeag. He also enjoyed trotting horses and owned one of the best trotters in the state. Al and Mike Labun co-owned Dexter Trotting Park on the Dover Road. He was a communicant of St. Anne’s Catholic Church and was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. Al was a life member of Dexter Fire Department and Dexter Club. In later years he enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., Europe and South America with his beloved companion of 30 years, Lillian. He is survived by a son, Albert and fiancee, JoDee, of Dexter; three daughters and their husbands, Theresa and Buz Brewster of California, Toni and Duncan Padgett of Atlanta and Lisa and Chris Russell of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Antoinette Cantlin of Acton, Mass.; and four grandchildren. Al will be fondly remembered by Lillian’s children and grandchildren; and by his beloved dog, “Baby.” A graveside funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter, with Deacon Frederick Harrigan officiating. After the service, a celebration of life will be held at Knights of Columbus Hall, Route 23, Dexter. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, One Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter. Those who wish may leave written tributes at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
ALBERT TEMPESTA
