Palmer B. "Pete" Pearson

SEARSPORT - Palmer "Pete" B. Pearson, 84, passed away Friday, June 21, 2013, surrounded by family at a Bangor hospital. Born Oct. 12, 1923, in Belfast, Pete exemplified the true Maine citizen his whole life.

He graduated from William G. Crosby High School, Belfast and went on to Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology. In 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Chellis, and was employed at Maine Maritime as an instructor and watch officer on the training vessel, The State of Maine. In 1954, Pete attended University of Maine, Orono, and completed a degree in chemical engineering. This led to his employment by Delta Chemical Co., Searsport, where he worked until retirement in 1985. Active in his community for his entire life, Pete held many positions in Searsport and Belfast organizations. He was a member and past president of Belfast Rotary Club; served on the board of directors for Searsport Water District and Waldo County General Hospital; and was a member of Maine Association of Engineers, Mariners Lodge, Waldo Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Anah Temple Shrine and Waldo County Shrine Club. He served as selectman for the town of Searsport and as chairman of that group for three years. He also was an active member of First Congregational Church, Searsport, serving as a member, a trustee and a director. Additionally, he was an active member of Mosman Park Association and a board member of YMCA. Pete and his wife, Barbara spent their retirement years traveling and wintering in Florida. Trips overseas with dear friends, Carl and Evelyn Robbins were especially memorable ones.

Pete is survived by wife of 61 years, Barbara; daughter, Debbie Bryant of Belfast; son, Jeff and wife, Lori, of Searsport; grandchildren, Ashley Reynolds and husband, Corey, of Morrill, and Ben Pearson of Searsport; as well as great-grandchildren, Hope and Harper Reynolds of Morrill, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves Phil and Judy Crosby and family of Belfast; Betty Breslin of Belfast; and Ron and Jan Bisbee and sons, Wyatt and Tanner, of Winterport. Among Pete's many friends, his buddies from the morning meetings at Weaver's Bakery will surely miss him. The family wishes to thank Searsport Ambulance Crew, Waldo County Hospital,and Eastern Maine Medical Center for their care and support to Pete during this past year.

A visiting hour will be held 6-7 p.m. Monday, July 1, at Young Funeral Home, 31 West Main St., Searsport. A short Masonic service will be held immediately after the viewing. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, at First Congregational Church, Searsport. Donations may be made in Pete's memory to Rotary Club Scholarship Program, Waldo County Hospital or Waldo County YMCA.