Cumberland - Donald William Kinne, 98, died peacefully on June 22, 2018 at the Maine Medical Center. A longtime resident of Cumberland, Maine, Don has been a resident of the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough for the past nine months.
Don was born on June 4, 1920 in Syracuse, New York, the son of Raymond and Wilhelmina Kinne. He attended local schools and graduated from North Syracuse High School in 1939. During his high school career, Don was very active in sports, playing baseball, basketball, and football. He played semi-pro baseball after graduation until he was inducted into the Army. An ankle injury prevented him from shipping out with the rest of his unit, and led to a transfer to the Army Air Corps, the precursor to the Air Force.
Don served in North Africa and Italy, where he was fortunate to meet Pope Puis XII, who addressed and blessed the troops. He eventually rose to the rank of sergeant. After the US victory in Europe, his unit was reassigned to Okinawa in the South Pacific. Two days from the Panama Canal, Japan surrendered and their troop ship was diverted to New York City. He had accumulated enough points to be discharged, and he headed home, intending to marry Jane Bertrand, the sister of one of his best friends. Jane was serving in the Navy and was stationed in Washington, DC. After several proposals, Jane finally said yes. They were married on September 12, 1945 in Bethesda, Maryland, and returned to Syracuse to begin their lives together. .
Don began working for Prosperity, and was eventually transferred from Syracuse to South Portland, Maine in 1961. He also worked for Brown Wales Steel, Maremont Corporation, and eventually retired from Baker Company in Sanford. His position at the time was production manager.
Despite coming from Yankee Country, Don was always a Red Sox fan. Although he loved all sports, baseball was his favorite, both to play and to watch. He participated in two bowling leagues – in a men’s league and a doubles league with Jane. A feminist before his time, it never bothered Don that Jane was the better bowler.
After moving to Cumberland in 1969, Don joined the Cumberland Congregational Church. He served as a deacon and sang in the choir for many years. He was an active member of the local Lions Club for over 25 years and was named Lion of the Year several times.
Don is survived by his children, Timothy Kinne and partner, Sherri, Karen Kinne and husband, Steve, Jack Kinne and wife, Carrie, and Mark Kinne and wife, Denise. He was also well-loved by his grandchildren, Samantha, James and wife, Brooke, Daniel and wife, Jenny, Nathan, Justin and wife, Kristen, Robert, and Whitneigh, and seven great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his many friends, including Christenia Alden-Kinne, his friends and neighbors on Crystal Lane, and the many people he touched throughout his life.
Don was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Aurel Jane Bertrand Kinne, who died in 2004, and his brother, Ray Kinne.
There will be a celebration of Don’s life at the Cumberland Congregational Church at 12 noon on Friday, June 29, 2018. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a contribution be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home at 290 US-1, Scarborough, in recognition of their dedication to caring for those who served. Donations can be made at www.MaineVets.org. Donations can also be made to the Cumberland Congregational Church, 282 Main Street, Cumberland, Maine.
Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to sign Donald's guestbook and offer condolences.
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