MELLEN A. “MEL” FITZHERBERT
PRESQUE ISLE

Presque Isle – After a life well lived and a strong fight with Alzheimer’s, Mellen Albert “Mel” Fitzherbert, 85, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2022. Born to Walter and Amy (Hopkinson) Fitzherbert on January 21, 1937 in Presque Isle.

Mel’s quick wit, combined with his kindness and easy going personality always left a smile on one’s face and in their heart. He was member of Bethany Baptist Church, Presque Isle. After graduating from the Fort Fairfield High School in 1955, he attended the University of Maine at Orono where he received a degree in agricultural engineering.

Uncle Sam caught him with the draft in 1958 and he served two years in the United States Army stationed at an Air Force Base in South Carolina, a story he loved to tell. Upon his honorable discharge in 1960, he returned to Maine to start his life long career of 46 years in the insurance business. From life insurance sales, to owner of Pomeroy/Fitzherbert Insurance Agency and moving on to investments and retirement planning as a financial advisor until his retirement in 2006. Having received many awards during his career, as past President of Aroostook County Life Association Underwriters – 1971, President of Aroostook County Independent Agents Association – 1972, member of the State Board Independent Agents Association – 1973, member of State Board Life Insurance Underwriters Association – 1972, community involvement as President JayCees – 1967, Director of the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce – 1968, President of the Presque Isle Live Wire Club – 1970-71, Scoutmaster Troop 168 - 1973-78 with the troop earning 5 Eagle Scouts, member of Probus International of Aroostook County, Presque Isle Athletic Boosters – 1984-1994.

He was an avid skier, skiing until the age of 82. He enjoyed water-skiing, boating and fishing. He skied in Nevada, California and Colorado with his grandchildren. In later years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, never missing games, despite the weather. He married Carol in 1980 and together they joined their family of three sons.

He is survived by his wife Carol Fitzherbert of Presque Isle; sons, David Fitzherbert of South Carolina, Todd (Tamara) Player of Prescott, AZ, Tyler (Jennifer) Player of Chapman; six grandchildren, Jacob, Abbey, Ryan, Gabriel and Grace Player, Kristi Fitzherbert; two step grandchildren, Kate Campbell, Zachary (Hannah) Campbell; one great step grandchild, Julian; brothers-in-law, Dale Hitchcock, Charles (Irma) Hitchcock, all of Caribou; nieces, Linda (Dennis) Howard of Belfast, Joy Lancilotta of Augusta; many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. In addition to his parents, Mel was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, William and Dorothy (Hochenhull) Fitzherbert; in-laws, Charles and Hester (Smith) Hitchcock; special brother-in-law, Larry Hitchcock; special nephew, Richard Fitzherbert.

Friends may call Friday, October 7, 2022 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, where a service to celebrate Mel’s life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ken Phelps and the Rev. James Ackerson officiating. Interment with military honors will take place at Green Ridge Cemetery, Caribou at a later date. The Fitzherbert family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Mars Hill Nursing Home for the excellent care given to Mel during his stay. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Fitzherbert to the Fort Fairfield Alumni Association, P.O. Box 201, Fort Fairfield, Maine 04742 or the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 383 US Route 1, Scarborough, Maine 04074. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com .