CALAIS – Milton Leroy Hunnewell, 86, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at Calais Regional Hospital. He was born Aug. 15, 1924, in Alexander, son of Morey and Marjorie (James) Hunnewell.
Milton started working in the woods at age 9 pealing bark. At age 15, he worked in lumber camps during the winters. In 1942, Milton went to work in the shipyard in South Portland as a welder. He joined the Navy in March 1943, and served in the Atlantic, Asiatic and Pacific campaigns. Milton received a commendation for the destruction of a German plane while in harbor in Sicily, Italy, aboard the USS Moore DE 240. He also saw service in Hawaii, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and other islands, as well as China mainland. Milton became chief master at arms and acting chief boatswains mate. He received an honorable discharge with a Good Conduct Medal along with other medals related to his service. In 1950, he and his wife, Pauline, purchased a dairy farm in Alexander where they farmed until 1957. He started working in 1960 as a pipe fitter/welder for St. Croix Paper Co., later purchased by Georgia Pacific Co. Milton retired from the paper mill in 1986 and then concentrated on growing and farming blueberries until his death.
Milton was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Elden Hunnewell and Douglas “Dukie” Hunnewell; and a sister, Audrey Gillespie. Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Pauline (Clark) Hunnewell of Calais; his children, David Hunnewell of Calais, Cheryll Bradford and friend, Eilean McKenzie, of East Bernard, Texas, M. Brian Hunnewell and his companion, Margaret Harris, of Las Vegas, Sue Pressey and her husband, David, of San Antonio, and Avery Hunnewell and his wife, Diane, of Calais; two stepdaughters, Patricia McCann of Nashua, N.H., and Jill Thornton and her husband, Milton, of Baring; 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, at West Ridge Cemetery, Route 191, Cooper. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at
www.maysfuneralhome.com.