BUCKSPORT – George W. Pooler, 90, passed away Nov. 8, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. He was born Dec. 20, 1920, in Scarborough, son of William M. and Mina M. (Olsen) Pooler.
In his youth, he spent many happy hours helping out on his Danish grandparents’ farm. As a graduate of Scarborough High School he excelled in multiple sports, but especially enjoyed being captain of his youth hockey team and playing at Deering Oaks Park. Later on, he found his niche in the boxing ring, becoming a Golden Glove Champ and earning the nickname, “Bulldog Pooler.” George proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Pittsburgh. He was credited with saving the lives of many men aboard the USS Roosevelt who were forced to jump into the burning waters of the Pacific after being bombed by the Japanese. After the war, he met and married his beloved wife, Emma A. (Hoyt) Pooler, and together they raised nine children. He retired from St. Regis Mill as a rigger and spent much of his time following his grandchildren around to their many activities. He was a member of Bucksmills Rod and Gun Club and the Masons.
He is survived by five daughters, Sonya Harriman and husband, Marvin, of Bucksport, Sharon Howard and husband, Richard, of Blue Hill, Judie York and husband, Rudy, of Orland, Helen Wardwell of Bucksport, and Deborah Tymoczko and husband, William, of Verona Island; and four sons, Jerry Cioe and wife, JoAnne, of Jacksonville, Fla., William Pooler and wife, Olga, of Weatherford, Texas, Forrest Pooler and wife, Pier, of Fayetteville, N.C., and Gregory Pooler and wife, Debbie, of Kinard, Fla. He leaves behind one brother, Forrest J. Pooler; many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He will be sadly missed by his loving companion, Irene Doucette of Bucksport. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Alva Clinch; and wife, Emma. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Maine Veterans Home, Bangor, for all their care and compassion.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, Bucksport, where a funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Interment will be immediately after the services at Riverside Cemetery, North Bucksport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Veterans Home, Unit D, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME
04401.