Henry S. Luckraft Obituary (1925 - 2006)

Waterville Henry S. Luckraft It is with hearts full of love and respect that we say goodbye to a very special soul, Henry S. Luckraft, who died peacefully at 2:35 a.m. Sat., Mar. 25, 2006 surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. Henry was a person who lived life to the fullest. He was thankful for every moment, viewing each day as a gift from God. He fully appreciated his home, his family, and everyone of his friends. Henry was a dedicated husband to his wife of 58 years, Blanche, who passed away peacefully in their home on Feb. 19, 2005. Henry was at her side and would not have had it any other way. Diagnosed with final stage of prostate cancer over 15 years ago, Henry simply refused to go--he had Blanche to take care of --and when she died just over a year ago, he looked forward to the day he would see her again in Heaven. Henry lived his life with love, humor, courage, a sense of joy, faith and acceptance. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Henry was a loving father to his three daughters, Marilyn Gundy, Julie Luckraft, and Elizabeth ''Betty'' Luckraft. He was also a proud grandfather to his three beloved grandchildren, Richard Chasse' III, Benjamin Hodgdon, and Katherine Hodgdon--the joys of his life. Henry welcomed into the family anyone his girls loved and was a supportive and loving father to his sons-by-marriage, David Hodgdon, Jay Penneys and Greg Gundy. In addition, he loved the newest member of the family, Sarah O'Malley. Henry is survived by his brothers Arthur and Vincent Luckraft, and several nieces and nephews. Born Feb. 21, 1925 in New Bedford, MA, Henry married the love of his life, Blanche Fleury in 1947. A veteran of WWII, Henry served in Naval Intelligence and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Following his tour of duty, he attended Boston University and after achieving his degree was employed by Merchants National Bank in New Bedford, MA for 16 years. Henry moved the family to Waterville, ME, accepting a position with Federal Trust Co. where he became Vice President and head of the Trust Dept. until his retirement in 1984. Henry was generous in the community in many ways. He was active in his church, Sacred Heart Church in Waterville for many years serving on Parish Council as treasurer. He was also treasurer and board member of Waterville Osteopathic Hospital, a member of the Kiwanis Club and the budget committee of the United Way and numerous other charitable organizations. He was also an organizing member and financial contributor for ASAP American Syringomyelia Alliance Project an organization formed to research and educate about a rare disease which his wife had to battle for her entire life. He and Blanche waged a courageous battle against this disease and were steadfast in providing counsel and support to others who also struggled with the effects of the disease. Henry was a happy man who loved to travel, treasured his memories, and appreciated the simple things of life. The family would like to thank the wonderful people who helped him live through the end of his life with independence and dignity. Thank you to Cindy, Deb, Kathy, Angie, and Debbie as well as Dr. Filliter and all of the wonderful caregivers at MaineGeneral Med. Ctr., Thayer Unit, Lakewood Manor Nursing Home, Healthreach Hospice and Waterville Hospice. A special thank you to Henry's longtime, dear friend Church Bickford who has been a great support in many ways. A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Sat., April 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville. There will be a light lunch and gathering directly afterwards in the church hall. Henry will be laid to rest next to his wife at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may honor Henry's memory with a contribution to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Main St., P.O. Box 200, Waterville, ME 04901. or to ASAP Inc., P.O. Box 1586, Longview, TX 75606-1586. Arrangements are with Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. Condolences may be expressed at www.gallantfh.com