Albert Allan "Al" Armstrong

Albert "Al" Allan Armstrong, 79

SOUTH PORTLAND - Albert "Al" Allan Armstrong, 79, of South Portland, died peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 16, 2018, at Seaside Health Care, after a very long illness.

He fought a courageous battle of heart problems and a multitude of many health problems over many years.

Albert was born in Machias, Maine, on Feb. 19, 1939. He was the youngest child of Millard B. and Emily Frances Armstrong.
Al grew up in South Portland on Highland Avenue at the ole "homestead". He attended South Portland schools. While in junior high, he met his soon to be wife, Mary L. Linscott. The two were inseparable. Right after high school, they were married on May 10, 1958.

He and Mary landed on Mussey Street in South Portland, where they raised their two children. As us kids got older, we realized our Dad was a special guy. He possessed a strength and kindness and could love you like no other. He always had an open-door policy, our friends could spend as much time as they liked, and the refrigerator was open to anyone who was hungry. Many a childhood friend came to Mussey Street to spend the night and sit at the "mandatory" 5 p.m. dinner at the table with the whole family. We said, "May I" and "Thank you" and "Can I be excused?".

Our friends came to share the "normalness" of a loving family, as not all were blessed with it. There was no fighting or arguing, and love filled that house on Mussey Street.

Dad was a good natured, sweet and kind man, and we were proud to share him with our friends. He made our home a "safe haven" for us and all who were lucky enough to know him.

He was a true family man and had a close bond with his brothers. There were many visits and phone calls between them. If I had a nickel for every "I love you brother" I heard, I'd be rich. He made sure we had a bond with our cousins, with many visits to Gorham to swim in Aunt Nat's and Uncle Lester's pool, but most of all we got to see our cousins, Brent, Holly, Todd, and Corey. They were more like siblings than cousins. We also spent lots of time at the ole homestead on Highland Avenue for cookouts with Aunt Em and Uncle Leroy, and cousin Mark. The best part of that visit was when Leroy and Mark would break out their guitars, play, and sing for us!

Al drove tractor trailers for H.P. Hood for 35 years, before taking an early retirement due to heart problems. Dad's C.B. handle
was "Uncle Al, the kiddie's pal".

Dad and Mom took many trips, including ocean cruises (too many to count), and also traveled across the United States in RVs, stopping along the way to take in the sights.

Al was a "modern miracle" and the amount of times he made it back to us after being on the brink of death was mind boggling. We were so lucky to have him for 79 years. He will be sadly missed by all.

I know Dad would want to thank his wonderful sisters-in-law, Betty Splettstosser and Barbara Nelson, for all the help and love they gave to Mary and him. They are unselfish with their time and care for Mary, who suffers from severe dementia. He was eternally grateful for these two angels on earth.

Albert was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Lester and Natalie Armstrong; his son, Dana Armstrong; and his grandson, Paul C. Rogers Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary L. Armstrong; his devoted daughter (whom he called "his Rock"), Hope L. Place, and her husband Steven Place; his brother and sister-in-law, Leroy and Emily Armstrong; his grandchildren, Ashley and Ben Tapley, Joseph A. Armstrong; his great-grandchildren, Virginia and Austin Tapley. He also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews, and his long-time friends, Hal and Judy Corkum.

A celebration of Al's life will be held from 12-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at the American Legion Hall on Conant Street, Route 25, Westbrook. Please come and share some stories and love for Albert.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland.

If you would like, donations may be made in Al's name to:
South Portland Fire and Rescue
684 Broadway
South Portland, ME 04106, or
Operation Hope
c/o Scarborough Police Department
246 U.S. Route 1
Scarborough, ME 04074