Aidan Roger Hand, infant

PORTLAND – Aidan Roger Hand, 5 months, of Wilton, was surrounded by love, light, peace, and family when he left his sickly body behind on Nov. 17, 2015, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Aidan had been in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit there since his birth, except for a seven-week stay at Boston Children’s Hospital. He was born on June 17, 2015 in Portland, the son of Edward Hand and Gloria Pierson, 12 weeks early and weighing just over one pound.

He was feisty and brave as he battled chronic lung disease of prematurity every day of his life. Although Aidan’s time on Earth was brief, it was filled with the love of everyone who knew him and many who only met him through his online updates, called ‘Nacho Watch’ for the nickname given to him by his siblings before he was born. Aidan loved snuggling, music, tubby baths, and elephants. He had fans and supporters as far away as Japan, Spain, and England, and his loss is felt deeply across the local community and the world.

Aidan is survived by his parents, Edward Hand and Gloria Pierson; three siblings: Astra Pierson, Liana and Daniel Sweeney all of Wilton; paternal grandmother, Carolee Hand of Starks; maternal grandfather, Gary Pierson and his wife Karen of Livermore Falls; paternal great-grandmother, Priscilla Herrmann of Turner; aunts and uncles: Billie Jo Krebbs and her husband David of Starks; George Hand and his wife April of Madison; Carol Kapoukranidis and her husband Kostas of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Linda Bloemker and her husband Chris of King of Prussia, Penn., and Gary Pierson II and his wife Laura of St. Louis, Missouri; as well as many cousins and extended family.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Roger Hand and maternal grandmother, Eileen Pierson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Maine Medical Center’s NICU for all their love and support, the staff at Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House in Portland. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 23 at Emmanuel Assembly of God Church, 4 Fayette Road, Livermore Falls, Maine. Visiting hours 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 at Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine.

Please feel free to wear bright colors to celebrate Aidan’s life. If desired, contributions may be made in Aidan’s Memory to: Ronald McDonald House, 250 Brackett Street, Portland, Maine 04102.