OWLS HEAD — With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Floyd Hartwell Oliver, 79, who left this world on April 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted family.

Born in Rockland on March 14, 1946, Floyd was the son of Julian D. and Virginia A. Thompson Oliver. A graduate of Rockland High School, Class of 1964, Floyd quickly answered the greater call of duty, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Stationed aboard the USS Ticonderoga, he spent nearly his entire service overseas, reflecting a lifetime pattern: putting the needs of others ahead of his own.

Returning to Rockland, Floyd married Karen Carlson, and together they raised three daughters, the pride and joy of his life. His devotion to family was fierce, unwavering, and selfless. Floyd worked tirelessly across several careers, always doing whatever was needed to ensure his loved ones were cared for. In the early-1980s, he launched his own successful business, F.H. Oliver Seafood, headquartered in Bog Harbor, Maine — a name that perfectly captured his wit.

Floyd’s love for and deep connection to the ocean was lifelong, rooted in childhood summers lobstering off Matinicus with his grandfather and cousins. Later, as the proud captain of the Patricia Rose, he earned his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s Master License, an honor that spoke to his deep skill, determination, and enduring love for the water.

Throughout his life, Floyd was a steady, loyal presence in his community. A lifelong member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, he was the kind of man people could always count on — quietly helping neighbors, sharing a laugh, or stepping up without fanfare when help was needed. His hands were rarely still, his heart never closed. His one-liners were legendary, sharp, hilarious, and classic to those who knew him.

After several years together, in February 2023, Floyd married Patricia "Patti" Hornsberger, and together they embraced life's adventures, whether traveling to Mexico, wintering in Florida, or simply sharing quiet moments together.

Floyd’s greatest joy was his family — cheering from the sidelines at his grandchildren’s games, sharing his wisdom, and always showing up when it mattered most. He also found great joy doing woodworking projects in his workshop and tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. Above all else, he was kind, generous, and deeply loved. His daughters often encountered beaming smiles when people discovered they were "Floyd’s girls," a testament to the reputation he built on loyalty, laughter, and kindness.

Though we now grieve his absence, we know Floyd is somewhere enjoying a Bacardi and Coke, likely swapping old stories with his dearest friend Robert Perry.

Floyd is predeceased by his father, Julian D. Oliver; his mother, Virginia A. Thompson; and his sister Julianne Hyatt; his father’s wife Charlene Oliver, and mother’s husband, Harry “Shep” Wardwell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia ‘Patti’ Oliver of Owls Head; his devoted daughters, Michelle Oliver of Union, Shawn-Elise Oliver and her husband Jay Plourd of Standish, Jamie Ames and her husband Mike of Hope; his brother Richard Oliver and his wife Deborah; his sister Shelly Carraway; his beloved grandchildren, Julian Starbird, Pasquale Lapomarda IV, Maddalena Lapomarda, and Nolan Ames; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends — including a special cousin who was like a brother, Jack Young and his wife Elaine ‘Laine’, Patti’s daughter Melissa Forman her husband Terry, and their daughter Amelia.

Floyd’s life was a masterclass in loyalty, generosity, and steadfast love. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His legacy is one of devotion — to family, to friends, to community — and the countless memories he created will be cherished forever.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland. All are welcome to join in celebrating a life lived fully and generously.

• AIO Food Pantry and Energy Assistance Program, PO Box 113, Rockland, ME 04841

• Salvation Army, 27 Payne Avenue, Rockland, ME 04841

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

• Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory with Floyd’s family, especially a "Floyd diddy" or story that captures his humor and heart, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.