Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

SPRUCE HEAD - Harold C. Rackliff, 86, died Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport, after an extended illness.
Born in St. George, November 4, 1923, he was the son of Walter H. and Gertrude Wall Rackliff. He was educated in St. George schools.
Harold began his career as a lobsterman at an early age. That career was interrupted by service to his country from 1943 to 1946, as a member of Company A, 544th Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment. In recognition of his service, Harold was recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Service Arrowhead, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Service Star.
Returning to civilian life, he continued lobstering and on September 14, 1957, he married Elsie M. Dearborn at the old Congregational Church in Rockland. The couple made their home in Spruce Head all their married lives.
In earlier years, Harold enjoyed sport fishing. He was a past Master of St. George Grange, and a past member of the Kinney - Melquist American Legion Post No. 34 in Tenants Harbor.
Besides his wife of 53 years, Elsie of Spruce Head, Harold is survived by one sister, Ethel R. Nystrom of Rockland; a nephew, Dennis Darling and his wife Andrea of Spruce Head; a niece, Dianne Postupack of Owls Head; two brothers-in-law, Richard Dearborn and his wife Donna of Tenants Harbor, Weston Dearborn and his wife Donna of Rockland; as well as several cousins, great nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, August 22, 2010, at Ocean View Cemetery, Route 73, South Thomaston. To leave online condolences please visit obituaries at www.bchfh.com.