MOUNT DESERT – A memorial service is planned Wednesday for community leader Carlo Ninfi, town treasurer for 44 years and a leader in the successful 1970s effort to repeal Maine’s uniform property tax.

Ninfi, 79, died Saturday after a brief illness.

Although born in Italy on July 30, 1921, Ninfi immigrated to Mount Desert Island as a toddler and spent his life giving back to the Maine community that raised him.

Ninfi served an unprecedented 44 years as the elected treasurer and tax collector for Mount Desert, beginning in 1942 and running unopposed for more than three decades.

When Ninfi decided to leave municipal service in February 1986, more than 100 residents gathered to applaud him. “His outstanding knowledge, positive thinking and leadership have long been recognized by his fellow citizens in the past, and will be a continuing influence in the future,” read a dedication in the 1986 annual report.

Ninfi’s personality played a big role in his success as a community leader, friends said.

“He was able to communicate to every different walk of life,” said Dick VanderZaden, who served as Mount Desert town manager after Ninfi’s retirement.

VanderZaden often looked to Ninfi as an adviser during his term as manager. “He knew the issues, he knew the people – he just had a wonderful touch,” VanderZaden said.

When the town manager wasn’t available, Ninfi filled the role. In fact, people often believed Ninfi was in charge, said former Mount Desert Selectman John Fernald, who served with Ninfi for 20 years.

“He just took his job to heart – he knew everything that was going on,” Fernald said. “He took his job home with him every night. It’s taken three or four people to take his place.”

Ninfi and Fernald worked to found the seasonal Mount Desert Medical Center in Northeast Harbor with a major fund drive, and Ninfi served as treasurer for the clinic and a trustee of Mount Desert Island Hospital for many years.

Ninfi also served on the boards of the Island Foundation and the First National Bank of Bar Harbor.

The Mount Desert activist was known statewide for his leadership of the petition drive that led to a successful referendum vote to repeal Maine’s uniform property tax in 1977.

Ninfi was a proponent of public education, and was among the founding trustees of Mount Desert Island High School. In addition to his legislative role, Ninfi supported MDI students by keeping time and score at high school basketball games.

“There’s no end to what he’s done,” Fernald said.

A memorial service for Ninfi will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Fernald Funeral Chapel in Bar Harbor. Those who want to contribute to a Carlo A. Ninfi Scholarship Fund may contact Steve Parady, First National Bank, P.O. Box 258, Bar Harbor 04609-0258.