Ira Bailey Huntley

Ira Bailey Huntley, 92, passed away on March 11, 2024, after a brief illness. Ira grew up in Hampden, and married the love of his life, Sally Godfrey, in 1951.

Ira enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. Upon completion of active duty, Ira continued to serve in the United States Navy Reserve until his eventual retirement as Chief Petty Officer. Ira began his professional career by working for Hollis & Elkins in Bangor, where he learned the heating trade. In 1970, with Sally by his side, he opened Huntley Oil Company in East Hampden, where he and Sally raised their three children. Several years later, Ira began teaching heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) at Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in Bangor, while he continued to run his family business. Ira remained active in the HVAC trade until the fall of 2023, marking 70 years of service to the industry! In their spare time, Ira and Sally could be found on their sailboat in Northeast Harbor, where they spent many wonderful days on the beautiful coast of Maine. Ira will be remembered as an American Patriot, a noble tradesman, and most importantly, a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Ira was predeceased by his parents, Winfield and Myra Huntley; his wife, Sally Huntley; his son, Ira Huntley Jr.; his grandson, James Cousins; his brothers, Winfield, George, and Kenneth Huntley; and his sister, Laura Murphy. He is survived by his sisters, Margaret Corey and Althea Huntley; his son, Stephen and his wife, Elaine, of Hampden; his daughter, Suzette and her husband, Bill, of Selah, WA; and grandchildren, Justin Huntley and his wife, Jacqueline, Jason Huntley, Megan Cousins, William Cousins, Shelly Cousins, Rob Cousins, Kathy Cousins, and Alysa Cousins.

Ira's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the medical staff on the 4th and 5th floors of Saint Joseph's Hospital in Bangor, for their incredible compassion and professionalism. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ira's memory may be made to Saint Paul the Apostle Parish, 207 York Street, Bangor, ME 04401.

In order to allow enough time for out of state relatives to travel to Maine, a memorial service will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, in Bangor. Friends and family are welcome to gather at 10 a.m. and will be invited to participate in a reception immediately following the service.