Harold Octave "Tank" Violette

Harold Octave "Tank" Violette

Male 1937 - 2015  (77 years)

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  • Name Harold Octave "Tank" Violette 
    Birth 14 Dec 1937  Van Buren, ME Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Death 4 Aug 2015  Winslow, ME Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Burial 12 Aug 2015  St. John the Baptist Church, Winslow, ME Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID P5192  Violette Family
    Last Modified 24 May 2023 

    Father Octave Levite Violette,   b. 7 May 1894, Orono, ME Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 23 Aug 1967, Oakland, ME Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 73 years) 
    Mother Ozithe Lavoie,   b. Abt 1897, Cyr Plantation, ME Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Marriage 20 May 1917  Van Buren, ME Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • DOM: Genealogies of the Catholic Families of Maine, New Brunswick, and the Province of Quebec with typo of 21 for the day & ME Marriage Record
    Family ID F3099  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Harriet Ellen Hunter 
    Children 
     1. Harold Violette, Jr.
     2. Steven John Violette
     3. Debra Violette
    Family ID F4005  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • DOB, DOM: Lippe pg 235
      Youngest of 17 children according to obit, but a review of all census data didn't uncover any missing children, so it is possible this was a typo.

      Maine Marriage Index has 1 Aug 1961

      Errata: 631m) correct date of m to 1-8-1961

      Harold Violette
      1937 - 2015
      WINSLOW - Harold "Tank" Violette, 77, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Aug. 4, 2015. He was born in Van Buren, to Octave and Ozithe Violette and was the youngest of 17 children. His family moved to Waterville when he was a young boy. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1956 and the University of Maine at Orono in 1960. While at UMO, Harold met the love of his life, Harriet. While at Maine, he became a football legend, earning the nickname of "Tank."
      Following graduation, Harold started his career as a coach at Lawrence High School under Dick McGee. From there he moved to Belfast, teaching and coaching, where he won his first championships. He returned to Winslow in 1969 where he stayed as football coach until his retirement in 1984. Harold was known primarily for his 16 years as Winslow's Head Football Coach but he also coached ice hockey, golf, wrestling and baseball when they needed a coach. Harold stepped down from Winslow's football program in 1984 to free up his Saturdays and attend his son's UMO football games for the next three years. Colby College quickly offered Harold an Assistant Coach Position but allowed him to skip any games that conflicted with UMO's game schedule. Harold went on to become Winslow's Athletic Director until he ultimately retired.
      Harold had a lasting influence on his many athletes, students, friends and community members. Leading by example, he has often been spoken of as a builder and strengthener of characteristics including work ethic, pride, respect, confidence, discipline, compassion and teamwork - on and off the field. Since his retirement, Harold has remained the most dedicated of Black Raider fans and was still climbing the ladder to his seat in the football field's Coaches booth this past season. He valued his friendships deeply and in addition to poker and the 107 Coffee Club, he treasured time sharing laughs, stories and the ups and downs of life with his buddies.
      Having been presented with many treasured honors and accolades over the years, Harold cherished his family most of all. He and Harriet often traveled to visit their children and grandchildren, attended many games and didn't miss any of the significant events of their family. His grandson took pride in having 'Papa' as his private football coach and his granddaughters were equally appreciative of his attendance at some of the 'girlier' affairs such as dance recitals. His easy smile, laughter, insightful guidance and love will remain in their hearts always.
      Harold is survived by his wife of 54 years, Harriet Hunter Violette; daughter, Debbie Hegarty (Frank) of Buxton, and son, Steve (Sue) of Gulf Breeze, Fla. Harold was the proud, never-too-busy 'Papa' of four grandchildren, Nick and Allison Hegarty and Caitlin and Rebecca Violette. Harold is also survived by his brother, Conrad, and sister, Theresa Poulin. Harold was predeceased by his parents, Ozithe and Octave; an infant son, Harold Jr.; as well as 14 sisters and brothers.
      A Celebration of Life mass will be preceded by time for visitation with the family and friends at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Visitation will begin at 9:15 and the mass will begin at 11 a.m. Services are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street Waterville.