Herbert Coolbrith

Herbert “Herbie” J. Coolbrith, 75, died peacefully at home with his family at his side, on December 19, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born November 16, 1946 in Portland, Maine, the son of the late Wilbur and Leona (Rioux) Dona.

Herbie graduated from Westbrook High School, Class of 1965. He married his soul mate Susan Johnson in 1967, recently celebrating 54 years of marriage. Following graduation, he served with the Army Reserves for several years before starting his career with South Portland Engineering and later General Electric, retiring with 37 years of service in 2005. During his employ, he worked both in Maine and Massachusetts and even spent a year in Shanghai, China. He played as many sports as he could both in and out of school and was an avid golfer and pool player. Herbie had 6 hole-in-ones throughout his years of golf and was dubbed by many friends to be the best pool player around. He enjoyed watching golf when he wasn’t playing it as a member of the Penobscot Valley Country Club. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildrens’ sporting events and dance recitals

Surviving in addition to Susan, is his daughter Karen Axelsen and husband Jamie of Westbrook; his daughter Katrina Cote and husband James of Levant; and his son Kevin Coolbrith and partner Anna Gellerson of Bangor. He adored his five grandchildren, Katherine, Ashley, Jack, Madison and Tyler. His grandkids were his greatest inspiration and gave him the will to keep going despite multiple medical ailments over the years. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Lorraine Johnson, brother-in-law Paul Johnson and wife Patty, as well as an extended family of aunts, uncles, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Herbie had many close friends and would have given the shirt of his back for any of them. He had a kind heart, a wise mouth and many stories to tell if you let him. A special thank you to Kindred Hospice for all their support the last several weeks, and especially to his favorite nurse and friend, Katie.

Services will be announced at a later date. Burial will be private Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland. Those who wish to remember Herbie in their own special way, and in lieu of flowers, may donate to their favorite local youth sports organization. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.