Harold P. Cebulla

Harold P. Cebulla, (RET) Navy Master Chief and fabulous dad, with a flair for never-ending energy, entered eternal life on Friday, June 13, 2025. Born October 1938, in Watertown, Minnesota, he is the son of Peter G. and Helen E (Warzeha) Cebulla (both deceased) of Young America, MN. Harold attended all of his schooling in Young America and graduated from high school in 1956. He was accepted into a diesel mechanic school in Iowa but enlisted in the Navy instead.

He went to basic training in California, where he started his 29-year career in the Navy as a Machinist Mate. Harold served on all types of subs – from fuel-powered to nuclear-powered. He retired in June 1987 as a Master Chief. During this time, he met his wife, Elsie F (McIntyre) Cebulla (deceased 3/2021), on a blind date from a friend who was serving alongside him in 1967. They had remained friends for life and visited each other’s families from time to time.

In between deployments, Harold and Elsie would pack their kids up and travel throughout the Midwest and eastern U.S. for some good old-fashioned camping and road tripping. Harold would tell his tales at sea while his daughters, Sue and Sarah, listened in awe of their dad.

When Harold retired, he and Elsie moved from Connecticut to Maine to start a whole new chapter of tall tale adventures. Harold started work at WABAN in Sanford as a handyman, where he would stay for the next 20 years. The pair was also part of the Chickadee chapter in Maine of the Good Sam’s Club, allowing them to travel in their motorhome. Harold and Elsie both enjoyed competing in Senior’s Odyssey of the Mind in addition to volunteering for Special Olympics of Maine. They both enjoyed sunset cruises on Loon Pond and excitedly hosted the annual McIntyre/ Wallace family reunion at their camp on the same pond.

Harold Cebulla is survived by his daughters and their families; Sue-Ellen DeGroot & husband Jeffrey of Canton, ME, Dr. Sarah Wormwood & husband Ron of Dayton, ME; his 4 grandchildren- Corey Wormwood of Dayton, ME, Madeline DeGroot of Jacksonville, FL, Nolan DeGroot of Auburn, ME, and Allison Wormwood of Brookings, SD; his brothers and their families- David Cebulla & wife Donna of Norwood MN, and Robert Cebulla & wife Marie of Spring Valley, WI.

Visiting hours for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 4 pm-7 pm at the Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, ME.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 24th at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, located at 66 North Avenue, Sanford, ME.
Interment with military honors will follow (noon) at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road, Springvale, ME.
There will be a gathering following the graveside ceremony at the Social Club, 22 Bridge Street, Springvale, ME. Light refreshments will be available.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Special Olympics of Maine or The Disabled American Veterans by clicking on one of the links below.