FREEDOM HERBERT C. ABBOTT, 77, died at his residence in Freedom on March 17, 2009. He was born April 22, 1931 in Knox, son of Nathaire and Lillian (Harding) Abbott. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. He worked for 29 years for the Maine Department of Transportation. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Thorndike and was a volunteer fire fighter and Fire Warden for the Town of Freedom for over 30 years. Herb had received an Appreciation Award in 2007 in recognition for his many years of being a friend to all. He loved horses, enjoyed a good conversation and could be found as the “greeter” at Freedom General Store. Herb was predeceased by his daughter Michelle and is survived by his wife of 54 years, Thressa Abbott of Freedom; four children, Nathan Abbott of Thorndike, Michael and Joleen Abbott of Waldo, Timothy and Cindy Abbott of Jackson, Shawn Abbott of Augusta; six grandchildren, Lacy Black, Heather, Courtney, Timothy, Colleen, Matthew Abbott; a great-granddaughter, Kamry. Graveside funeral services will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Freedom May 16th at 11 a.m. Friends may make donations in Herb’s memory to a charity of their choice or a local humane society. Arrangements are under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast.