Arnold Hilton ... enjoyed playing the harmonica; at 103

DOVER - Arnold W. Hilton was 103 at his time of death. He died Sunday, Dec 27, 2020, at Riverside Rest Home in Dover. He lived his young life in Wells, Maine. He resided in South Berwick, Maine for many years before moving to the Dover area for the last 40 years.
Arnold was born July 28, 1917 in Shapley, Maine. He was the son of Winfred and Blanche (Crediford) Hilton. He was the oldest of nine children.
He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Hilton, of many years, together they had seven children. After her death in 1972, he would marry Dorothy (Wentworth) Hilton. She died in 2015.
Arnold graduated from Sanford High School in 1936. He was drafted in March of 1941. He went into the Army. Pfc Arnold Hilton returned from overseas duty and attended radio school at Camp Croft. Spartanburg, S.C. He was a member of the 103rd Regimental Combat team, Special Forces Amphibious, HQ Regimental Communication Section. He would leave the Army in 1945. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for being involved in two battles in the South Pacific.
He worked many years at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and then later at the Prime Tannery in Berwick, Maine where he retired.
He is survived by his seven children: four sons, Kenneth Hilton Farmington, David Hilton, S.C., Glenn Hilton, Brian Hilton both of Rochester; three daughters Melita Dixon Ossipee, Sheila McCawley, Rochester, Rachel Bowles, Alton; a sister Ruth Meade of Zephyr Hills, Fla.; 22 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his five brothers, Alfred Hilton, Ray Hilton, Warren Hilton, Thomas Hilton, Earl Hilton; two sisters Cora (Hilton) Hall and Mary (Hilton) Schachne; one grandson, Ron Moreau; and two great grandsons, Griffen and Owen Hilton.
Arnold loved playing his harmonica. He has been playing it since his grandparents gave it to him as a Christmas gift when he was five. He enjoyed playing the harmonica for the residents at Riverside on many occasions. He enjoyed playing the organ and his guitar. His love of music was lifelong. Arnold loved fishing, both fresh water and ice fishing. He enjoyed talking about history with anyone that would listen. The history was wonderful to listen to and record.
The family wishes to thank Riverside Rest Home for the care they gave him.