Albert E. Payne, Jr.

NORWAY – Albert E. Payne, Jr., better known as “Mannie,” passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021 in his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Norway on Sept. 21, 1934, the son of Albert and Clara Payne.

Mannie attended Norway High School, then left home at a young age to work with racehorses in Florida before joining the Air Force in 1953 and serving in Korea. Following his honorable discharge from active duty, he returned to Norway where he met Barbara Nurmi whom he married in 1958. They were married for 63 years and raised three children, Tamara, Stuart, and Carmen.

Mannie made his living and supported his family by working in local mills and factories, including Wilner’s, Oxford Pickle Shop, Burlington Homes, and 25 years at A.C. Lawrence Leather. Upon retirement, he continued to do part-time custodial work for several years at Gold Street, Maurice’s, and Trinity Lutheran Church.

Mannie was a Charter Member of the Finnish American Heritage Society of Maine when it was formed in 1982. Together he and Barbara participated in Finnish cultural programs and Finnish dancing at schools, nursing homes, and other venues throughout the state. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Paris Cape Historical Society.

Through these jobs and extracurriculars, Mannie met many wonderful people in the Norway/Paris area. It was common for Mannie to find a friendly face wherever he went, and he cherished the relationships he built within the community.

Mannie was an avid Red Sox fan and always enjoyed his morning paper, especially the sports section where he would catch up on the latest baseball news and harness racing results. One of Mannie’s favorite pastimes was going dancing with Barbara. He shined brightest when spending time with his family, including on fishing trips and going to baseball games, and relished in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.

Mannie is survived by his beloved family, including his wife Barbara; children Tamara (and Neal) Cohen, Stuart (and Noriko Imai) Payne, and Carmen Aliber; grandchildren Molly (and Derek) Farrington, Sarah Urbonas, Rachel (and Anthony) Sullivan, Jayce Payne, and Tia Payne; great-grandsons Joshua “JT” Farrington and Mason Sullivan; and former son-in-law Mike Urbonas.

Mannie was predeceased by his parents Albert and Clara Payne; and siblings Dorothea Ayer, Muriel Kilgore, Beverly Pelletier, Janice Holmes, and Terry Payne.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Androscoggin Kidney Center, where Mannie referred to the dialysis center staff as his “second family”. They would also like to thank Dr. Peter Harbage, Dr. Edward McGillicuddy and the Androscoggin Home Hospice nurses for the exceptional care Mannie received.

At Mannie’s request, there will be a private service at a later date.

Arrangements are with Chandler Funeral Home in South Paris.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com

Donations in Mannie’s memory may be made to: FAHSoM Finnish American Heritage Society of Maine

P.O. Box 294

West Paris, ME 04289