ROCKPORT — Dana Raymond Lear passed away peacefully, February 27, 2025, one day after his milestone 90th birthday. Born February 26, 1935, in Livermore Falls, Maine, to Raymond Lear and Elsie Corkum Lear, Dana lived a life full of dedication and service.

Dana attended public schools in Lyons Falls, New York, and graduated from Southern Maine Technical College in 1956 with a degree in Industrial Electricity. After graduation, he was employed for five years with North Electric Company of Galion, Ohio, installing high-tech telephone equipment in various cities in the eastern United States. In 1960, he moved back to Maine where he served in the Augusta Police Department and later worked at Hudson Pulp and Paper Company. In 1964, Dana was hired by Central Maine Power Company as a consultant and advisor for their electric home heating initiative in the Knox County, Midcoast, area where he spent the rest of his working years.

Dana was deeply involved in his community. In 1961, he joined the Augusta Lions Club and was later elected president. During his tenure, the Augusta Lions were honored by a visit from the International President of Lions Clubs. Dana joined the Augusta Jaycees where he organized much-needed renovations and repairs to the Augusta City Jail. In cooperation with the Maine Health Department, Dana chaired the Jaycee's campaign to make the Salk Polio vaccine available to everyone in the city of Augusta as part of a nationwide effort that led to the eventual eradication of polio in the United States.

His adventurous side led him to earning his private pilot's license in 1974, and later his motorcycle license.

Dana married Mary Korhonen at Vesper Hill Chapel on July 10, 1976. They resided in Thomaston and spent their summers at their cottage on nearby Nortons Pond, where you could find him sitting on the deck listening to the loons. He was a fixture at his nearby grandchildren's sporting events, greeting all with a big smile, firm handshake, and reassuring pat on the back. Later in his retirement, he enjoyed being outdoors working in his flower gardens and feeding the birds.

Moreover, Dana was a true gentleman known for his kindness, love, and volunteer spirit. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Augusta and served on the Church Council there for several years. Later, he was a charter member of Nativity Lutheran Church in Rockport.

Dana was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Mary Lear; and his stepson, Richard Mills.

He is survived by his sister, Rosemary Gurney; sons Steven (Ann), Craig (Amy), and David (Tanya); stepdaughters Melissa Post (Darren) and Shelly Temple; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home. To share a memory with the family, please visit Dana’s Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.