Harvey Joseph Violette, 96

Waterville – Harvey J. Violette, 96, of Oakland passed from this life to the next on Wednesday October 4, 2017. He was born in Waterville on January 10, 1921, a son of Belonie and Emeddie (Carrier) Violette. He was educated in local schools and served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII receiving an honorable discharge. When he returned to Maine he worked for a time at BIW as a crane operator and then for Scott Paper before finding his niche as an entrepreneur and businessman. He owned Harvey’s Motor Sales in Waterville, a used furniture store, a heavy construction company and most recently, Harvey’s Mobile Home Park in Oakland. He enjoyed being his own boss, making things happen the way he envisioned them and being responsible for his own success. He could be described as a determined man.

For Harvey, life was all about his family and being the dedicated family man that he was he taught and inspired his children to know the meaning and importance of family. His children have rich memories of their childhoods and Harvey made sure that everyone had fun at any of the gatherings. Harvey easily made friends, was very social and could engage anyone in conversation.

He enjoyed music, especially country and many weekend evenings were spent with family and friends jamming with Harvey on a guitar, harmonica or spoons. The entertainment at the Violette home was fun for everyone. He taught his children how to dance and was known to be able to do an honest jitterbug and do it justice. Life on the water rejuvenated Harvey. Boating, trips to the ocean, watching NASCAR, the Red Sox and Celtics broadened his interest. He was faithful to attending his grandchildren’s countless sporting events and dance recitals. He also enjoyed sponsoring adult softball teams and attended almost every game. His cats and dogs were very special to him. Winters in Florida meant connecting with friends from Maine, Saturday night cards and making new friends. He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks for many years. He was also a devoted and faithful Catholic.

Harvey is survived by his children: Donald Violette and his wife Janie of Waterville; Sandy Violette and her husband Dave of Winslow; Patsy Veneziano and her fiancé Jack Pickett of Winslow; special niece Betty Ann Merrill of Maryland; ten grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-grandchild. Harvey was predeceased by his wife of 29 years, Ruth Oliver in 1971; his wife of 42 years, Albertine Dunton in 2016; his son Larry Violette in 2010, his brother Raymond Violette and his sister Corinne Vigue.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday October 11, 2017 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, with burial following in Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

Given Harvey’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to: Humane Society of Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.