SOUTH BRISTOL — Harold D. Abbott Sr., 85, of South Bristol and Thomaston, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2016, at The Sussman House in Rockport. He was born June 4, 1931, in Albany, N.Y. He was raised in Albany, N.Y., and attended local schools. He entered the U.S. and served in the Korean War. After serving four years in the Army he then joined the United States Marine Corps.

After the service he was a bartender to celebrities and a dance instructor escort in Miami. He moved to Maine and bartended at Brown's Wharf in East Boothbay, where he met his future wife, Judith Seiders. They married in July of 1961 and moved to South Bristol, where he was a bridge tender from 1965-66, until he retired in the 1990s. He was an integral part of starting up the First Responders in Bristol and South Bristol. He worked as an emergency medical technician, paramedic and instructor for many years. He was a certified nursing assistant at Miles for 10 years. He worked more than 20 years on the CLC Ambulance.

Harold had a passion for reading. He taught many people throughout the Midcoast. He could discuss many topics. He was a member of the Masons (Alna-Anchor Masonic Lodge #43) for more than 50 years. He was very charismatic and loved his grandchildren; if you met him he was unforgettable.

He was predeceased by his son, Glenn Abbott.

In addition to his wife, Judith Abbott of Round Pond; he is survived by his children and their spouses, including his sons, Harold David Abbott Jr. and his wife, Jeannie, of Cushing, and Robert Mark Abbott and his wife, Sherry, of California, and his daughter, Denise Dawson and her husband, Michael, of Bristol; his grandchildren, Harold David Abbott III of Jefferson, Laurie Lamb of Cushing, Hiedi Adams of Cushing, Andrew Ames of Friendship, Sarah Montez of California, Eric Abbott of California, Jodi Becker of California, Judi Neild of California, Katherine Spear of Nobleboro, Mary Hibbard of Damariscotta and Noah Dawson of Bristol; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Tim and Kelly for all their kindness shown to Harold.

Gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St. in Waldoboro.

Donations in Harold's name may be made to Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Road, New Harbor, ME 04554; South Bristol First Responders, c/o South Bristol Fire Department, P.O. Box 150, South Bristol, ME 04568; or The Sussman House, 6 Glen Cove Drive, Rockport, ME 04856.

Hall's of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.