Roosevelt Harry Maheu

Roosevelt "Harry the Stripper" Maheu Roosevelt Harry Maheu, 71, of Willimantic, passed away peacefully on Wednesday Aug. 20, 2003 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born July 15, 1932 in Willimantic, he was the son of the late Aldea (Sampson) and Octave Maheu of Willimantic. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. He worked at Electric Boat as a machinist and retired after 25 years. Locally he was known by many friends and customers as "Harry the Stripper", owning and operating Harry's Furniture Stripping for 35 years. His passion was working in his shop and camping with his friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Mary (Balogh) Maheu, a son Timothy Maheu and his wife Donna and their children Anna Lee, Donna Lee and Timothy Harry of Ellington, 4 daughters; Donna (Maheu) Skully and her husband William and their children Raymond and Jennifer of Plainfield, Linda Embser and her husband William of E. Hartford, Christyne London and her husband Jack and their children Douglas Desindes and Amy Gonzalez of Asheville, N.C., and Lisa Pearce and her husband David and their daughters Erin and Cory of Columbia and a daughter in law Edilma Maheu and her children Jacob, Marie and Patricia Maheu of Willimantic. He is also survived by his mother in law Irene Balogh of Mansfield, 2 brothers; George and Victor Maheu, a sister Dorothy (Maheu) Desrosier, 4 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, several honorary grandchildren and many good friends. He was predeceased by a daughter, 4 brothers and 4 sisters. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00pm. A graveside service will be held in the New Willimantic Cemetery, intersection of Rte. 32 and Rte. 6, Willimantic on Saturday at 11:30 followed by a Memorial Service at 12:30 at the Columbia Congregational Church, Rte 87, Columbia with the Rev. Jack Zappulla officiating. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of Eastern Ct., 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield Center, Ct. 06250 or to the Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Rte 87, Columbia, Ct. 06237. Please visit at www.potterfh.com for directions and online expressions of sympathy.