JONESPORT - Coleman F. Smith, 99, passed away peacefully at Downeast Community Hospital on October 8, 2023 after a short illness. Coleman was born on July 12, 1924, in West Jonesport, son of Hoyt P. and Velora J. (Lamson) Smith. His fondest childhood memories were growing up on lighthouses where his father served as the keeper. He spent time on Cranberry Island, Cape Ann, Straitsmouth, Ashtabula, Boon Island, and Cape Neddick Light Stations. He was educated in schools in Maine, Massachusetts and Ohio. He spoke often of his time in 5th, 6th, and 8th grade in Jonesport. Even when his mind started to fail him he never forgot his teachers from those grades, Mrs. Putnam and Mrs. Palmer. As a child he remembers making the long trek to Jonesport to visit his grandmother Mame. He spoke of those days so often and how his big job back then was chopping her wood. Coleman always held a special place in his heart for this town. He would always say "good ole Jonesport…I was born there, I might as well stay there." He was a proud veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was stationed on the USS Pocatello in the Pacific. These were days he remembered until the end. After his service in the Coast Guard he held a variety of jobs: furnace salesman, lobster fisherman, boat builder, private yacht captain on the Full Moon, private chauffeur, and janitor at York High School to name a few. During his adult life he loved living and working in York Harbor in a home he purchased and was so proud of. It was the hub for family events, and a stopping point for so many during their travels. He loved this community and was well known in that area. He enjoyed visiting the local eating establishments and cruising around York Harbor. He moved from York to be closer to family and spent the last ten years in Jonesport where his niece Sharon and family live and helped care for him until the end. He always talked about York and missed it dearly. Coleman is survived by his loving sister Mary Sine; sister-in-laws, Florence Smith and Pat Smith; nieces Sharon Lakeman, Lauren (Josephine) Chandler, Julianne Allen, and Kathryn Evens; nephews Philmore Smith, Hoyt Smith, Lester Sine, Christopher Sine, and Joseph Repple. Many other great nieces/nephews, and cousins, who he loved dearly. Coleman was predeceased by his parents; siblings Ruth Repple and husband Joseph, Philmore Smith, Hoyt Smith and wife Barbara, and Charles Smith; brother-in-law Lester Sine; nieces Nikki Tubbs and Cheri Lakeman; nephews Louie Repple and Charles Lakeman; and his long time companion of 40+ years Cynthia Pash. Coleman had a quick wit and was always ready with a one liner to bring a smile. He loved sharing his stories, eating at restaurants, and just living the good life. He had a great 99 years filled with so many memories and adventures. To know him was to love him. He was loved by all and he loved all! And in his own favorite words "God Bless You".

A graveside memorial service to honor Coleman's amazing long life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 14th, at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McClure Family Funeral Service, Machias, where online condolences may be shared at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com