George Kenneth Barrett

5 November 1943-October 22-2024

        George Kenneth Barrett, beloved husband, father, brother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on 22 October 2024. George arrived in Boston on 5 November 1943, the first of three sons born to Dorothy Hill Barrett and Frank Joseph Barrett, Sr. He spent his formative years in Hanover, New Hampshire. Upon graduating from Hanover High School, he proceeded to New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire earning a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1965. He served in the Army National Guard from 1965 to 1972 specializing in military equipment operations. Following graduation, George worked for Chadwick-BaRoss. He held fond memories of his 18 years selling heavy equipment and managing operations throughout northern New England, but eventually his passion for creating and building could not be limited to a weekend hobby activity.

        George was a fine craftsman and especially attentive to details others seldom noticed. He found joy in woodworking and spent several years building custom furniture. He was asked to join Thomas Moser Furniture, but declined knowing that he was more inclined to life as an independent entrepreneur. As the years moved on, he rediscovered a childhood passion for model railroading and merged his engineering skills with his artistic talents to create Sheepscot Scale Products, a line of HO gauge kits for model trains, trucks, vessels and structures. His models and layouts were so detailed and authentic that he was approached to design and construct layouts for Hollywood as well as a home featured on MTV Cribs. Despite George’s recognition and success, he remained a humble man, known for his kindness, friendly smile, quick-weighted sense of humor and dedication to serving his many communities. While nothing surpassed his commitment to his wife, children and grandchildren, George was a faithful steward of the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Falmouth for over 40 years where he sang in the choir and served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee and as Junior Warden of the Vestry. He was determined in preserving history and cultivating the interest of those around him. George served on the Board of Directors of the Boothbay Railway Village for 25 years; was a member and editor of the monthly newsletter for the Antique Truck Historical Society Pinetree Chapter for 15 years; volunteered countless hours at the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum and the Maine Maritime Museum, and he worked diligently to bring the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum to Portland. In his hometown of Cumberland, he served as a Cub Scout leader and he designed and built the Children’s Reading gazebo at Prince Memorial Library, George also had a profound love of the ocean and enjoyed cruising the coast of Maine, specifically the Sheepscot and Boothbay regions. Whether aboard a pleasure vessel or a guest on a local tugboat, he was enamored with the sea. In service of this interest and helping others, he taught boating safety courses for the U. S. Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary for many years. There were only two things George loved almost as much as his wife and children. He loved a wide variety of music from classical symphonies and choirs to Roger Miller and Spike Jones. And he love dogs, especially his black labradors.

        George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Angelica Markos Barrett, his children Melinda Barrett Torrens and Christopher Frank Barrett, four grandchildren Maddelyn Samantha McGonigle, Christopher George McGonigle, Vanessa Sophia McGonigle and Rachel Ann McGonigle, and his youngest brother, Frank Joseph Barrett, Jr. He is reunited in heaven with his brother William Humphrey Barrett who passed in June. A memorial celebration of George’s life took place at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Falmouth on 23 November. All who were touched by George’s life and legacy were welcome to attended. Donation in George’s name are encouraged to support The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Boothbay Railway Village, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

Hiram Owen Alley

8 November 1957 – 10 December 2024

        After a long-fought battle with kidney failure and heart-related issues, Hiram Owen Alley passed away at Downeast Community Hospital on 10 December.

        Hiram was born to Archie, Jr. and Maxine Alley on 8 November 1957.

        Hiram was raised on Beals Island and made his living on the ocean as did his father, Archie, Jr.  Whether it was clam digging, blood and sand worming, scallop dragging or lobster fishing, he worked the ocean to provide for his family. Later in life, he married his love, Wilhelmina Tracy, of West Jonesport. They had one child, Jowen Hiram Alley.

        One of Hiram’s favorite hobbies was deer hunting. During deer hunting season, he spent many nights at the camp on Head Harbor with the crew. Hiram also enjoyed cheering for his favorite sports teams: the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Bruins and NASCAR’s #5 Kyle Larson.

        Later in his life, his kidney failure required dialysis for the remainder of his life.  While having dialysis, he made many friends including workers at Davita Dialysis. They loved him very much as did many of the patients who would get a laugh out of him. He was known as the Candy man, to many there as he would bring Reece’s, M&M’s, Kit Kats, and Life Saver’s with him every day and all were welcome to enjoy snacking on them.

        Hiram is survived by his son, Jowen Alley, brother, Leland Alley and wife Lisa, all of Beals. In addition, he is survived by his furry, “Grandchildren” cats, Batman and Momo.

        Hiram was predeceased by his wife, Wilhelmina; parents, Archie Jr., and Maxine; sister Ellen and brother Archie Alley, III.

        A graveside service will be held at Great Wass Cemetery, on Hiram and Wilhelmina’s anniversary date of 15 May 2025 at 1 PM. Family and friends are more than welcome to come and share stories of bygone memories.

        In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org. We can only hope that one day, in the near future, kidney disease will be curable for all.

Tony Correa

Damariscotta

July 1, 1941 – January 10, 2025

        Anthony Garey Alvarez Correa (Tony), 83, of South Bristol died at his home on the Damariscotta River after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Jan 10, 2025 with his loving partner Patrice and his son Andy close at hand.

        He was born on July 1, 1941 and was the son of Marion and Edgardo Alvarez Correa. He grew up in Middletown, Ohio and on Bass River, Cape Cod where he was introduced to the water and boats. He was let loose upon this river at a young age, watched over and mentored by a large extended family and many friends along its shores. It was the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship with boats and fellow sailors. While he attended many schools and learned a lot, his real education was more trickle-down than scholastic.

        He worked at the Crow’s Nest in NYC, then at Shreve, Crump and Low Jewelers in Boston where he formed the idea to start his own nautical jewelry company. He set out on his path, moving to Maine and founding A.G.A. Correa and Son in 1969. The early years were very difficult, however he persevered and built the business with a passion for the water and nautical jewelry designs hand-crafted in gold. The business later thrived and he sold his ideas all over the world, touching countless customers along the way. The business continues to thrive in his name on the banks of the Sheepscot River.

        He owned a number of sailboats, starting with a Beetle Cat, UNDECIDED, and in his words “I lived for that boat”. Then a series of boats named NOETA (No Estimated Time of Arrival). The last of these was a K. Aage Nielson Yawl which he cruised extensively along the Maine Coast and successfully campaigned in many Maine regattas. He also had a love affair with his 1956 Austin Healey which he drove and toured all over the United States. He loved spending time with family, and a wide circle of friends both near and far – he shared a world of memories with them. His family will remember him as a salty man, who could hold his own at the tiller with any sailor. He had an infectious sense of humor, and was a master in story-telling. He loved to read about business in the Wall Street Journal in front of a good fire. He had a keen sense for business, and more importantly his connection with customers. He was an outstanding Father and Grandfather. He will also be remembered for a large pour of Belvedere and his eagerness for the memories that would unfold.

        He is survived by his queen Patrice and her family The Cuthbert’s and The Andreoni’s. His brother Uncle John Correa, his wife Marcie and their daughter Laney. His daughter Heather, and his two sons John and Andy Correa. Most critically he loved his grandchildren Maddy and Tily Milburn, and Anthony (T2) and Sadie Correa. He had numerous lifelong friends that enriched his life in so many ways. He specifically requested no funeral, and instead a celebration of life on the water when it warms up with a bunch of boats, strong beverages, music, a cannon salute, and possibly high tide.

        In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport.

        The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the loving caregivers with Hospice, and Jason Hunter who rode out the last days with Dad. Finally, the family is grateful that he’s in a place where wooden boats require no maintenance, engines don’t leak oil, and ears don’t ring. 143  4:44

        Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

Kittridge A. Johnson

“MR. LUCKY”

        I grew up in Winter Harbor and started lobstering when I was 8 years old. My father, uncle and grandfather were all lobstermen and I learned from them. My great grandfather fished lobster back in the day of sails. He used a sounding lead to get depth. My grandfather was a bay fisherman. He fished to supplement his income and was a full-time postman. He raised 10 children and lobstering was a must for him. My father fished lobster, herring, hauled bait, and worked as a mechanic. He raised 8 children and worked at least 2 jobs for most of his life.

        I started fishing in 1947. I fished a few traps from then until 1957 while going to school. My family had to move to the city in 1958 where I graduated high school. I joined the Air Force in 1962, returned in 1966 and resumed fishing. I have been doing it from then until now.

        I have two sons who both spent their 4 years in the Coast Guard and are now making their living fishing. I have 5 grandchildren, 2 boys and 3 girls. The youngest will graduate next year. I have one wife I have had for 47 years. She is meaner than a mountain lion and has the patience of Job.

        I won my boat’s hull in a drawing at the Winter Harbor Lobster Festival.

        Kit’s lobster boat racing history is:

 

EASY MONEY

        Boatbuilder: Robert Rich, Bernard, ME (1953)

        Dimensions: 33′

        Construction: Wood

        Engine(s): Gasoline: 350 cu. in., 8 cyl., Carb.

        Owner(s): Kit & Bunny Johnson, Winter Harbor

        Year’s Raced: 1999; 2000; 2001: 2003

        Racing Class: Gasoline Class B

        Results:

1999: WINTER HARBOR: 4th Gas Class B.

2000: WINTER HARBOR: NPG Gas Class B.

2001: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Gas Class B.

2003: WINTER HARBOR: 4th Gas Class B.

 

BIG EASY MONEY

        Boat type: Atwood

        Boatbuilder: Atwood, Canada (1989)

        Dimensions: 32′ 6″

        Construction: Fiberglass

        Engine(s): Diesel: 210-hp Cummins

        Owner(s): Kit Johnson, Winter Harbor

        Year’s Raced: 2002

        Racing Class: Diesel Class B

        Results:

2002: WINTER HARBOR: NPG Diesel Class B.

 

  1. LUCKY

        Boat type: Duffy 35

        Boatbuilder: Atlantic Boats, Brooklin, Maine (Hull 2002); ? (Finisher 2003)

        Dimensions: 35′

        Construction: Fiberglass

        Engine(s): Diesel: 225-hp John Deere, 6 cylinder, 468 cid

        Owner(s): Kittridge ‘Kit’ Johnson, Winter Harbor

        Year’s Raced: 2003; 2004; 2005; 2006; 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014; 2015; 2016; 2017; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022

        Racing Class: Diesel Class B

        Results:

2003: WINTER HARBOR: 4th Diesel Class B.

2004: MOOSABEC: 4th Diesel Class B. WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B.

2005: WINTER HARBOR: 4th Diesel Class B.

2006: WINTER HARBOR: 4th Diesel Class B.

2007: WINTER HARBOR: 5th Diesel Class B.

2008: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B.

2009: WINTER HARBOR: 2nd Diesel Class B (20 mph).

2010: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B (18.0 mph).

2011: WINTER HARBOR: 3rd Diesel Class B.

2012: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B (19.2 mph).

2013: WINTER HARBOR: 3rd Diesel Class B.

2014: WINTER HARBOR: 3rd Diesel Class B.

2015: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B (20.4 mph).

2016: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B (19 mph).

2017: WINTER HARBOR: NPG Diesel Class B.

2018: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B (21.2 mph).

2019: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B (19.4 mph)

2020: WINTER HARBOR: 2nd Diesel Class B.

2021: WINTER HARBOR: 1st Diesel Class B (17.2 mph).

2022: WINTER HARBOR: 2nd Diesel Class B.