ELLSWORTH – Kenneth D. Vittum, 88, died Tuesday, May 3, 2011, surrounded by his family and close friends, at his home, from cancer. He was born Jan. 26, 1923, in Oklahoma City, son of the late George and Ethel (Strong) Vittum.
He graduated from Quimby School, Sandwich, N.H., in 1941. On Jan. 26, 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II; he was honorably discharged Dec. 12, 1945.
In 1953, he graduated from Laconia Business College, Laconia, N.H., with a degree in accounting. It was there he met the love of his life, Eleanor Aldrich, and they were married Oct. 3, 1952. For many years, Ken worked on the family farm in Sandwich, N.H. In January 1955, he moved his wife, Eleanor; and son, Steven, to Ellsworth, where he remained for the rest of his life. For many years, he worked with his brother, George, as a salesman with Hancock Wholesale Tobacco & Candy Co. located on Vittum Road, Ellsworth. In December 1978, he, his wife, and his daughter, Barbara, purchased Hancock Grocery, Hancock. They operated the business until Jan. 1, 1987, when they sold the business and Ken retired. In semi-retirement, Ken worked part-time for his close friend, Jim Sitterly at JDL Garden & Power Equipment, Ellsworth. In retirement, Ken enjoyed the camp that he built at Spring River Lake, gardening, writing poetry, woodworking, storytelling and lots of laughter.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Eleanor of Ellsworth; son, Steven of Chicago; daughter, Barbara of Bucksport; “adopted” son, Brent Lawyer of Chicago; sister, June Grochmal of Ormand Beach, Fla.; sister, Cora Jo Wills of Kittery; special nieces, Beth Aldrich of Brunswick and Janice Tabor of Saco; many other loving nieces, nephews and family friends; and special family friends, Evelyn Vistica, and Jim and Deb Sitterly of Ellsworth. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, George, William and Carl; and sisters, Virginia Manning and Pauline Ambrose. The family extends personal thanks to Hancock County Homecare & Hospice, and caregivers from One Step of Ellsworth for their kindness and service.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Vittum Hill Cemetery, Sandwich, N.H. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Cancer Support Center of Maine, 147 Main St., Bucksport, ME 04416; Hancock County Homecare & Hospice, Blue Hill; or First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Arrangements by Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth.