John H. Seidel, DMD

April 21, 2012
SCARBOROUGH - John H. Seidel D M D, 90, of Scarborough, affectionately known as Harry, died on April 21, 2012. The son of Dr. John C. and Mable Seidel, he was born in Portland, the oldest of four boys, attended Sacred Heart, Deering High, Tufts University and graduated from Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Seidel served in both the Army and Navy Dental Corps during WWII and later with the Veteran's Administration in Portland. It was during this time; he met and married his wife of 65 years, Rita (Dorval) Seidel. Together they raised three children while living in Deering, Falmouth and later as long time residents of Pine Point in Scarborough. Along with his service at the VA, he joined and practiced with his father in Portland for 35 years. As a dentist he taught at Tufts, served on college boards, professional committees and was past president of the Greater Portland District Dental Society. Having retired to FL, he at 80yrs old, volunteered and provided dental care for migrant workers in the greater Naples area. During his life Harry enjoyed sports; lacrosse with the Boston Lacrosse Club, skiing with his family in North Conway, sailing on Casco Bay and especially golf on courses around the country. Harry and Rita were members of the Portland Country Club and Hide Away Beach Club on Marco Island FL. Through out his golfing career Harry shot six holes-in-one. But the greatest focus of his athletic life, for he and his wife, was attending as many of his children's and grand children's games and events as possible, always quick to travel any distance to watch a game, match or race. A life constant for Harry and Rita was their home in Pine Pt. First, with his parents and brothers Charlie, Bob and Bill and later with his family; daughters Anne Marie and Barbara, son John and in more recent years, with sons-in-law Craig and David, daughter-in-law Pat, grandchildren and great grandchildren. "Uncle Harry and Aunt Rita" were also forever extending invitations to cousins, in-laws, extended family and friends. He loved to sit in the back yard in the warm sun shine and be the first to announce a sea breeze, "Sea Turn!" and say with a grin, "feel that ocean air!" John H Seidel DMD is survived by his wife Rita, son John C Seidel and wife Patricia of Scituate MA, daughter Anne Marie Owens and husband Craig of Denmark ME, daughter Barbara Keene and husband David of Gorham, ME, eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011. Mrs. Rita M Seidel and family would like to give special thanks to the Staff of Residential Care and A Units at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough for their wonderful care. Visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday April 25, 2012 at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10:00 at St. Margaret's Church, 6 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach. Burial with military rites will follow at Scarborough Memorial Cemetery, Scarborough.Online condolences may be expressed below.
We learned of Harry’s death with deep sorrow. When we lived on Sea Rose Lane at Pine Point, we met with Harry and his family at neighborhood gatherings. He stood out as the gentleman of the group. We offer our thoughts and prayers for Harry and his whole family.
– Jean and Paul Kelly
Dr. Seidel was my dentist from the time I was 10 years old (1955) until he retired. We held hands on his last day of practicing-there at his family home on Pleasant Ave. and both cried. He was a lovely, kind and gentle man, and I loved him dearly.( I had called Dr. Nellson’s office ( my dentist,now,) three minutes before John’s funeral, and learned of his passing-or I would certainly have been at his service.) I am so sorry for your loss, but happy that he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
– Carole Severance Hadlock
Dr Seidel shared both the role of friend and dentist to our families, and in later life he became a neighbor walking the beach at Pine Point and Old Orchard. We will miss greeting his friendly face on the beach. We send our very deepest sympathies to Rita and his children.
– Anne & Walker Noyes