BANGOR – Milton J. Hartery, 85, died peacefully Feb. 21, 2012, at Togus Veterans Hospice Unit. He was born Oct. 10, 1926, in Bangor, son of Bernard and Ida (Giles) Hartery.
Milton lived in Brewer until enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944 at age 17. After boot camp he was stationed in the Pacific and served in Iwo Jima for the full conflict. Shortly after returning from the war, he married his sweetheart, Patricia E. McGarry. He worked for Maine Central Railroad, Bangor, for 30 years. Milton and Patricia lived in Winterport, raising five children. During that time he was highly honored to serve as a lector at Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Church. He was actively involved as a Cub Scout leader. Milton served as deputy sheriff where his work also included security. Later in Milton’s life, he joined the Bangor Chapter Detachment 1151 of the Marine Corps League. He proudly stood by all members of the league and carried the flag with honor. Milton enjoyed hunting and most especially fishing.
Milton was predeceased by twin daughters, Jane and Elaine, at birth; his lovely wife of 60 years, Patricia, in July 2009; brother, Edward; and one nephew. Surviving are his children, Mary T. (Hartery) Russell and her husband, William Russell, Anne M. (Hartery) Murphy and her husband, Kevin Murphy, Michael J. Hartery, Ellen E. (Hartery) Otstott, and Steven E. Hartery and his wife, Lori Hartery. Milton and Pat have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Priscilla Hartery; two nephews, one niece and their families.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor. Interment with military honors will be held at a later date at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Milton in a special way may make gifts in his memory to CancerCare of Maine, Lafayette Family Cancer Center, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.