ROCKLAND and PALM COAST, Fla. — Harold B. Kaler, 98, of Palm Coast, Fla., passed away Sept. 13, 2015, following a long and fulfilled life. Harold was born in Rockland on Aug. 14, 1917. He was the son of Clinton E. and Alice S. Kaler and graduated from Rockland High School. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Crockett, in 1940.

He became a Master Mason in October 1941 at Aurora Lodge #50 in Rockland.

Harold was a World War II veteran. He joined the Army in 1943 and served as an explosive expert and unit commander in the United States Army Combat Engineers (1151st Engineer Group C) where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He left active duty as a captain in 1946, and continued to serve in the Army Reserves, resigning as a major in 1953.

Upon returning home from the war, he was employed by Lawrence Portland Cement Plant in Thomaston. Following a successful career as production engineer at the cement plant, he took the position of operations manager for North American Cement in Catskill, N.Y.

In 1960 Harold started his own business, Lime Products Corporation in Union. What began as a four-employee mining company grew to 70 employees and three production plants manufacturing agricultural and industrial limestone products, crushed stone and asphalt. During his successful business career, he received many awards and accolades, including being named Maine Business Person of the Year in 1976 and was honored at a dinner given by President Gerald Ford

One of Harold and Phyllis' passions was boating and they and their three children spent many years cruising along the coast of Maine, visiting many of the islands off the coast. After the children were grown, Harold and Phyllis continued to enjoy their ocean experiences making many trips up and down the eastern seaboard from Camden, Maine, to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Harold sold Lime Products Corporation in 1983 and retired. He and Phyllis moved to Florida in 1984 to become full time residents. They enjoyed many wonderful years of retirement together.

Predeceased by his wife, Phyllis in 2011; surviving are his three children, daughter Nancy Connon and her husband, Jeff, of Hope, and sons Richard Kaler and his wife, Pam, of Weare, N.H., and Ted Kaler and his husband, Bob, of Land O Lakes, Fla. Harold was grandfather to six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A graveside committal service will be held at Glen Cove Seaview Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. Following the service there will be a celebration of life at the Samoset Resort in the Schooner Room.

Arrangements are under the direction of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.