LIMINGTON & WINDHAM- Armand Arnold “A3” Polito III
Armand Arnold Polito III, affectionately known as A3 by his
beloved family, left this world at the age of 44 on Sunday,
November 23, 2025, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in
Scarborough, to join his mother in Heaven.
The only child of Armand Polito Jr. and Lisa Grassi Polito, Armand
was born in Portland, Maine, where the family lived until moving
to Windham when he was eight. He attended Windham
Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.
Armand was truly a jack of all trades. After graduating, he
managed Aubuchon Hardware stores in both Windham and Cape
Cod. He later worked in the lobster industry and became certified
in mold, lead, and asbestos remediation. Among his many
accomplishments, earning his captain’s license and captaining
the Songo River Queen in Naples stood out as a proud milestone.
Yet, the role that brought him the most fulfillment was being a
musician.
Before he could even talk, Armand was tapping rhythms on
anything within reach. He always credited his Uncle Gino for
helping his parents purchase his first drum kit at age seven—an
act that sparked a lifelong passion for percussion. Armand
practiced with ferocious determination, spending hours in the
basement wailing away on his kit under the steady guidance of
his uncles, Gino and Chris Grassi. He always attributed his talent
and success to his parents for nurturing that spark, encouraging
him to embrace and develop his talent. Armand’s parents and
uncles had played together in a band in their early 20's, making
music a natural part of Armand's world from the very beginning.
His father, a lead guitarist, and his mother, a vocalist and bassist,
often joined him for impromptu jam sessions, creating lasting
memories that Armand carried with him throughout his musical
endeavors.
Armand began his career as a musician playing covers with
Crooked River Band and later with Toned Out. As his passion
grew, he began collaborating with other talented musicians and,
alongside co-founder and lead vocalist Bobby Whitebear, his
“brother from another mother,” formed the band Black Orange, in
2021. The group recorded an album of all-original alternative rock
in 2023, fulfilling a lifelong dream. While Armand was proud of all
the songs they created, his most treasured piece from that
collection is titled Burgundy Dream. That same year, his
dedication and skill proudly earned him an endorsement from
SoulTone Cymbals.
Armand lived his life much like he played the drums—setting the
beat with tenacious passion, unwavering dedication, and
full-hearted enthusiasm. Striving for excellence was his baseline.
He had a thirst for knowledge, a deep appreciation for others’
perspectives, and a gift of gab that turned strangers into lifelong
friends. His larger-than-life personality and sharp sense of humor
were matched only by his father’s. Together, the two would
engage in straight-faced mental sparring that left everyone
around them in stitches.
Armand's protective nature and philosophy of living life with
gratitude and perseverance inspired everyone who knew him. His
mental fortitude, fierce love and protection for his family and
friends never wavered, nor did his spirit. Proud of his strong
Italian heritage which he wore like a badge of honor, Armand was
also a skilled gardener especially fond of growing the hottest
varieties of peppers, meticulous with landscaping, a
meteorological guru fascinated by the weather, and an excellent
cook who loved to share his meals with others. He was a wealth
of knowledge, patiently sharing his skills with anyone who had an
inclination to learn.
Armand worked tirelessly alongside the love of his life, Stacy, to
build their sanctuary, which he adored on “The Ridge,” a home
filled with laughter, music, and love.
Armand is survived by his devoted father, Armand Polito Jr., with
whom he shared an unbreakable bond; his soulmate, Stacy
Redmun; and her son, Austin Redmun, whom Armand lovingly
referred to as “our boy.” He is also survived by many loving
aunts, uncles, and cousins on both the Polito and Grassi sides of
the family.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate
professionals at New England Cancer Specialists, Southern Maine
Hospice, and the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their
exceptional care and kindness.
At Armand’s request, there will be no services at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com