CORINNA – Perley Howard Hartley, 86, passed peacefully Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, with his daughters by his side. He was surrounded by his family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Perley was born as the first son of Howard and Bessie (Haynes) Hartley at the family farm in Corinna, Dec. 16, 1926.
At age 19, Perley opened his first business, a Tydol filling station. After his return from Europe in 1952 as a sergeant in the Army, he married the love of his life, Marie. Just a few years later, Perley started offering Massey Ferguson tractors. In 1960, he became a dealer for Plymouth automobiles, the area’s first auto dealership. Throughout the years, the business kept growing through the efforts of Perley, his family and those around them. Hartley’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep-Ram is still operating strong today. Beyond developing his business, Perley was involved in the community, and enjoyed many hobbies. Perley served as a selectmen for the Town of Corinna, held a board seat with Key Bank, as well as a member of the Corinna United Methodist Church, American Legion Post No. 73, Parian Masonic Lodge, and Anah Shrine. Perley and his wife were also instrumental in the development of the Corinna Health Center. As an accomplished pilot, Perley thoroughly enjoying flying his plane. He enjoyed spending time with his family, engaging in construction projects, and traveling.
Perley is survived by his two daughters, Linda and husband, Frank Dyer, Peggy Seavey and husband, James Seavey III; two grandchildren, Brian Dyer and Kristen Seavey; his sister, Dorothy and husband, Harry Nason; brothers, Darrell and wife, Judie Hartley, and Earl Hartley and Beryl Gray; sister-in-law, Doris Charrier; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Perley was predeceased by his loving wife, Marie in 2008; sisters, Hazel Clarke and Gladys Frost; two brothers, Harold and Robert; and in-laws, Shirley Hartley, Carl Frost and Jerry Clarke. The family wishes to especially thank the many friends throughout the years who supported Perley personally and in business, including Ruth Bowman and all his caregivers.
Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Friday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main St., Newport, where Masonic services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at Corinna United Methodist Church with the Reverends Terence McKinley and Brian Gower officiating. Spring burial will be in the Corinna Center Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Corinna United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 418, Corinna, ME 04928; or to Sarah’s House of Maine, care of Eastern Maine Charities, P.O. Box 404, Bangor, ME 04401. Those who wish may leave written condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
Perley H. Hartley
