AUGUSTA – Sidney E. Kaler, 85, passed away April 1, 2015, in Augusta, following a long illness.

Born in Rockland on May 19, 1929, he was the son of Elmer and Charlotte Staples Kaler. He attended local schools. He first worked as a bicycle delivery boy for Western Union Telephone & Telegraph. Sid always exuded a happy personality, he enjoyed working at the Park Street Theater. He always took pleasure in showering his mother with gifts.

After enlisting in the U.S. Army he served during the Korean War and earned five bronze battle stars. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the United States, including in Topsham and Down East. Returning to civilian life, he worked more than 25 years in the maintenance department of Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. After retiring he continued part-time work with Big A Auto Supply and at Camden IGA.

On May 2, 1998, he married Elsie Ames in Camden.

Sid was a member of Harmony Bible Church in South Thomaston. He enjoyed singing at church. He was also a longtime member of Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 and Rockland Lodge of Elks No. 1008.

Predeceased by his sister, Jacqueline Kaler; his brothers, Russell Kaler and Richard Kaler; and a stepson, Harold “Nick” Wells; Sid is survived by his wife, Elsie; his stepson, Richard Wells, his wife, Veronica, and step-grandson, Ricky Wells, all of San Diego, Calif.; his sisters, Barbara Webber and her husband, Donald, of Rockland, Janet Kaler of Maysville, Ky., and Aleene Barnes and her husband, Roy, of Wiscasset; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews, as well as great-great-nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Achorn Cemetery in the spring and will be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.