ROCKPORT — Harold G. Willey, 94, died peacefully Sept. 15, 2015, at Knox Center for Long Term Care.

Born June 11, 1921, in St. Albans, he was the son of George W. and Viola G. Pettengill Willey. He grew up in the Skowhegan area and after high school entered the Navy. At the end of World War II, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maine, a master’s degree in psychology from Tufts University, and ultimately earned his doctorate from Clark University.

Following the war, Harold married Elsa Steffanson and moved to Bridgewater, Mass. The couple had five children.

He was employed more than 30 years at Bridgewater State Hospital, working with the criminally insane. He had the honor to be the first psychologist to testify in court without the backup of a psychiatrist. He was also known for working at Brockton YMCA. Harold lost Elsa in the late 1970s. Returning to Maine, he married Judith Philip Withee in December 1981.

Locally, he volunteered at the Camden YMCA as a free weight instructor. He also regularly volunteered at the Knox Center for Long Term Care. He was a founding member and served as president of Mid-Coast Mental Health Board. He was a member of the Orient Lodge of Masons, No. 15, Thomaston, and the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland. Due to his Native American heritage, Harold was proud to serve as a member of the Episcopal Diocesan Committee on Indian Relations. He was also active in establishment of the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry.

Predeceased by his son, Harold Willey Jr.; Harold is survived by his wife, Judith of Rockport; his children, James S. Withee and his wife, Joan, of Martinsburg, W. Va., Bo Willey and his wife, Carol, of West Yarmouth, Mass., Rebecca Dorobis and her husband, Paul, of Rockport, Elsa Charette of Augusta, Anne Kahurl and her husband, Bradley, of Winthrop, and Seri Neault and her husband, David, of Bridgewater, Mass.; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Episcopal Church in Rockland. The Rev. Lael Sorenson will officiate. Private interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Islesboro.

Memorial donations may be made to either the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or St. Peters Episcopal Church, 11 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

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