Herbert I Nightingale
Rockport and Fort Fairfield – Herbert Irvin Nightingale, 85, passed away Friday morning, August 15, 2014 at Pen Bay Medical Center following complications from pneumonia. He was born June 16, 1929 in Fort Fairfield, Maine, the son of Herbert Lester and Myrtle Lovely Nightingale. He graduated from Fort Fairfield High School in 1947 and UMaine in 1951 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He enlisted in the Air Force where he honorably served in the 104th Air Squadron. He married Ernestine Littlefield on November 11, 1953. After serving his country he worked in the Nightingale Farm operation in Fort Fairfield. After leaving the family business he sold insurance for many years in both Maine and Florida. He returned to Fort Fairfield in 1966 where he took a position with Vahlsing Enterprises/Maine Surgar. In 1969 he took a position as the Director of the Physical Plant for Aroostook State College, which later became the University of Maine at Presque Isle. He retired this position after 28 years of service. Herbert was very involved in his community including serving as Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President, on the Board of Directors for Fort Fairfield Community General Hospital and Chairman of the Maine Potato Blossom Festival. Herb was a great athlete and enjoyed sports both as a participant and spectator. His favorite past-time was spending time and supporting the activities of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Ernestine Littlefield Nightingale, and his daughter and grandson, Diana Lynn and Da’vee Nightingale. Mr. Nightingale is survived by his three sons, two daughters and their spouses. His sons are Dr. Stephen Nightingale and his special friend Danielle Paquette, of Ellsworth; Timothy and Karla Nightingale of Rockport; and Matthew and Susan Nightingale of Yarmouth. His daughters are Elizabeth “Betty” and Terry Surrency of Evans, GA; Mary and Michael Campbell of Moultonborough, NH. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Charles Carter, IV, Orlando, FL; Adam Carter, Augusta, GA; Evan Carter, Atlanta, GA; Jonathan Nightingale, Syracuse, NY; Mallory and Griffin Nightingale, Ellsworth; Joshua and Ethan Nightingale, Yarmouth; Natalie Nightingale, Bangor; Zachary Adams, Boston; Sare Campbell, Moultonborough, NH. In addition, he is survived by three step-grandsons, Jeff Surrency, Evans, GA; Griff Surrency, Savannah, GA; Kirk Surrency, Jacksonville, F.L. He is also survived by one sister,Betty Philbrick of Fort Fairfield; two sisters-in-law, Marguerite Capen, Richmond, VA and Carol Klitch, Old Town, ME, as well as five great grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Martha Humler of Potomac, MD.

Friends and family will gather on Sunday, August 17th from 7-9 p.m. at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. There will be a fellowship gathering with refreshments from 11:30-1:30 on Monday, August 18th, at the VFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield followed by a Celebration of Life service at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, those who choose may contribute to the Fort Fairfield Athletic Boosters Club, c/o Larry Gardner, 28 High School Drive, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com