Harold Ernest DeGrasse

Harold Ernest DeGrasse, 88, of Biloxi, MS, formerly of Brewer, ME, died Thursday, August 26, 2010. Mr. DeGrasse was born August 18, 1922 in Orrington, ME. He was a self-taught electrician, working many years for Eastern Fine Paper and IMC of Brewer, ME, retiring in 1980. He was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Ralph J. Pollard Lodge in Bangor, ME. He was an Anah Temple Shriner and FCC-licensed ham radio operator. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and was an avid hunter and golfer well into his 80's. He hunted on the same mountain from the age of 10 until 84. He was also a lifetime member in the Brewer, ME Kiwanis. As a young man, he played semi-pro baseball. As a Maine State boxing official, he judged the 1965 Cassius Clay/Sony Liston fight. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and friend. Mr. DeGrasse is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Rena Betts DeGrasse; brothers, George, Everett and Melvin DeGrasse; sister, Virgina Hillier and granddaughter, Lorraine Anne Haye. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Evelyn DeGrasse, Biloxi, formerly of Brewer, ME; daughters, Judith (David) Bassett of Milton, FL and Kande (Bobby) DeGrasse-Steele of Biloxi; brothers, Fred DeGrasse, Jr. of Clyde, NC, and Sheldon DeGrasse of Ft. Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Dianna Picanco, Joseph Farnham, Thomas Farnham, Janie Reverse, Judi Holley and Shayna Steele-Cook and nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mr. DeGrasse’s name be made to your charity of choice. A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date with interment at the family plot in Brewer, ME. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.