Harry H. Caldwell

Of Sagamore, MA, died on July 8, 2008 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Brighton, MA, of complications following recent heart surgery. He was 86 years of age. Born in Hempstead, NY, he grew up in New York City entering the U.S. Naval Academy in 1940. Due to the war, he graduated in 1943 with the accelerated class of 1944. In 1948, he married Mary Deane Hilliker of NY. Harry was strongly influenced by both of his parents. His father pioneered the USN Submarine fleet through command of the first commissioned US Naval submarine (Holland), and his mother was a writer working on newspapers and in the Hollywood film industry. Harry spent most of his first twenty years of commissioned service in submarine billets. Sea duty included war-time service in DACE (SS 247) eventually taking command of SPIKEFISH (SS 404). In 1961, he became the Commander of SUBMARINE DIVISION 22. In 1964, he was assigned command of MARIAS (A0 57), a fleet oiler. Later, he was stationed in London as C.O. Fleet Operations Control Center, US Naval Forces, Europe; followed by a twilight tour as C.O. Fleet Training Center, Newport, RI. He was awarded his Master's Degree from George Washington University. After retirement from the Navy, he settled in CT where he worked for General Dynamics Corp., Groton, until 1978. He served the town of East Lyme as Selectman and Water and Sewer Commissioner. In retirement, he researched and published articles for "Submarine Review" and US Naval Institute's "Proceedings". He worked as an editor and contributing author of the coffee-table book, "United States Submarines". Harry enjoyed playing tennis throughout his Naval career and after. He hiked with friends as member and group leader in the Appalachian Mountain Club, leading trips in Europe, Canada and Hawaii, as well as eastern Connecticut. Harry is survived by his wife Mary Deane of 60 years, three children: Barbara Caldwell Siegel of Wawarsing, NY, Katharine C. Parsons of Bourne, MA and Douglas R. Caldwell of West Roxbury, MA, and seven grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum, Groton, CT on Sept. 13th. Burial is at sea. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Submarine Force Library & Museum Assoc.