He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on March 17, 1931 a son of J. Dawson and Anne M. Kelleher Ahalt and was educated in the local schools. Michael joined the U.S. Navy at 17 years old and retired in 1969 as a Master Chief Fire Control Technician. He then worked for a brief time at Steen Company, Inc., as an oil burner technician, and then went to work for Supervisor of Shipbuilding in Bath from which he retired.
On May 2, 1953 he married Beverly A. Dearing in Bath and they made their home here.
Michael enjoyed spending time with his family and especially enjoyed time with his grand and great-grandchildren, reading and spending time on the water boating and sailing.
He is predeceased by his wife who died January 20, 2006; and two sisters, Nan Perfit and Mary Alice Quaid.
Surviving are his children, Sheila Rutledge and her husband Michael of Helmet, CA, Michelle Cain and her husband Ronald of Donaldsonville, GA, Michael Ahalt II of Donaldsonville, GA, and Kathy Eliassen and her husband Kent of Bath; three sisters, Denise Land, Loretta Puopolo, and Sheila Goss; 13 grandchildren, Christopher Rutledge, Vanessa Dooley, Levi Rutledge, Ian Rutledge, Caitlyn Rutledge, Michael Rutledge, Alaina Rutledge, and Kai Rutledge, all of California, Lucas Rutledge of Tennessee, Alyssa Rutledge, Shelley Eliassen, Kent M. Eliassen and Eric Eliassen, all of Maine; 10 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family all services and burial will be private. Arrangements are by David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. To share your thoughts and condolences with Michael’s family please visit www.desmondfuneral- homes.com.
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