BILOXI, Miss. – Harold Ernest DeGrasse, 88, formerly of Brewer, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010. Mr. DeGrasse was born Aug. 18, 1922, in Orrington. He was a self-taught electrician, working many years for Eastern Fine Paper and IMC of Brewer, retiring in 1980. He was a 32nd degree Mason in Ralph J. Pollard Lodge, Bangor. He was an Anah Temple Shriner and FCC-licensed ham radio operator. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, and was an avid hunter and golfer well into his 80s. He hunted on the same mountain from age 10 until 84. He was also a lifetime member of Brewer Kiwanis. As a young man, he played semi-pro baseball. As a Maine state boxing official, he judged the 1965 Cassius Clay/Sony Liston fight. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and friend. Mr. DeGrasse was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Rena Betts DeGrasse; brothers, George, Everett and Melvin DeGrasse; sister, Virgina Hillier; and granddaughter, Lorraine Anne Haye. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Evelyn DeGrasse of Biloxi, Miss., and formerly of Brewer; daughters, Judith and David Bassett of Milton, Fla., and Kande and Bobby DeGrasse-Steele of Biloxi, Miss.; brothers, Fred DeGrasse Jr. of Clyde, N.C., and Sheldon DeGrasse of Fort Wayne, Ind.; grandchildren, Dianna Picanco, Joseph Farnham, Thomas Farnham, Janie Reverse, Judi Holley and Shayna Steele-Cook; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date with interment in the family plot in Brewer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mr. DeGrasse’s name be made to your charity of choice. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Miss., is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
HAROLD ERNEST DEGRASSE
