OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 11, 2022

ALBERT B. PARENT

CLINTON – Albert B. Parent, 87, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Clinton. He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on January 3, 1935, to Adelbert and Bellva (Brunelle) Parent.

He joined the army on January 21, 1955. He served in New Ulm, Germany, for 21 months. He was a radio instructor teaching Morse Code to eight different stations and received a good conduct medal. He was discharged in January 1958.

In 1958 he moved to Santa Monica, California, where he met Olive (Farwell) Kincaid and her four children. They had a child named Gene A. Parent on August 3, 1963, and were married in July 1960. He worked in retail for over 40 years. Last being at TJ Maxx, in Augusta, retiring in December 2011.

He was predeceased by both parents, wife Olive and sons, Larry Kincaid, and Gene Parent. Also, his brothers, Leo Aldebert and Robert and sisters, Theresa and Yolande.

He is survived by daughters, Alberta, and Roberta and son Daniel and their families; his brothers, Normand Raymond and their families; many nieces and nephews; as well as grandchildren. He had great-grandchildren.

The celebration of life will be held at Holy Cannoli, on August 14, 2022, at 11 a.m., on Main Street, in Waterville.

Memorial services are at Mt. Vernon Veteran’s Cemetery, in Augusta, on Monday, August 15, at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are by Dan and Scott Cremation & Funeral Services.

In place of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

PATRICIA M. KNIGHT

WATERVILLE – Patricia M. Knight, 84, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. Patricia was born, in Winslow, on April 30, 1938, the youngest daughter of the late Joseph Bolduc and Martha (Violette) Bolduc.

Patricia attended Winslow schools and earned an accounting degree at the University of Maine Augusta.

Patricia retired from Inland Hospital, inWaterville, in 2000 after 33 years in the accounting department. Patricia then worked for H&R Block for 14 years where she retired in 2014. Patricia worked during her retirement part time for Belgrade Auto.

Patricia was a member of Corpus Christi Parish where she served as a lector, CCD teacher and was on the Pre-Cana committee as part of the speaker couples.

Patricia was a past member of HFMA serving on the board, also serving on the Board of Delta. Patricia was a life member of the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow.

Patricia’s favorite place was Great Moose Lake where she enjoyed spending time with her family, boating, swimming, fishing, and tending her flower garden.

She was predeceased by her son Gregg, grandson Tobey Hockridge, two sisters, Doris Reid and Gloria, six brothers, Armond, Hector, Lucien, Richard, Ray and Norris.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 67 years, James W. Knight; her daughters, Cindy Hockridge and husband Stu, of South China, Tricia Maheu and husband David, of Belgrade; her daughter-in-law Patricia Knight, of Arizona; her sister Lillian Lovett, of York; three grandchildren, Kim Knight, of Arizona, her three children, Alex, Aiden and Maddie, Danny Knight, all of Arizona, Erik Maheu and his wife Robyn, from Winslow; two sons, Maddox and Julien, Tobey’s daughters, Payton and Paige from Colorado Springs Colorado; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass was held on Wednesday, August 10, at 9 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

The family requests no flowers.

CLAUDE L. CASTONGUAY

OAKLAND – Claude Louis Castonguay, 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, following a year-long battle with cancer. Claude was born Dec­em­ber 29, 1948. He is the son of Alcide and Marguerite (Noel) Castonguay.

Claude attended schools in Frenchville, and was drafted into the military shortly after. Claude was a lifelong service member of the Army Reserve, having completed tours in Vietnam and Iraq until his retirement in 2008. Claude also worked for the Maine Department of Transportation for over 25 years.

Claude is survived by his wife Linda (Michaud) of 51 years; his daughter Cheryl, of Waterville; daughter Sharon and her fiancé Anthony, of Oakland; and son Eric and his girlfriend Nicole, of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Colby, Jordan, Dylan, Brianna, Jeremih, and Julian.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m., on Monday August 8, 2022, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, and then transported to Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangement are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memory shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher House (fisherhouse.org) who provide temporary housing for family members of sick veterans.

RICHARD J. GLOVER

WINSLOW – Richard J. Glover, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Androscoggin Hospice, in Auburn. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on January 16, 1940, the son of Frederick and Eleanor Glover.

Dick grew up in Connecticut where he attended and graduated from Devry Tech Institute. He also attended the University of Connecticut, where he excelled in track and field.

During his summer visits to Maine to help at his grandparents’ farm, Dick met the love of his life, Nancy. They were married at Notre Dame de Lourdes church, in Skowhegan, on May 28, 1960, and thereafter moved to Norwalk, Connecticut, where Dick worked for Nash Engineering. He began his longtime position with Sherwin Williams in 1962, once returning to Maine, until retirement in 1996.

The couple settled in Auburn, where they raised their family.

The drums were Dick’s passion. He had played with a jazz band in Connecticut, and then played with several Country Bands here, in Maine. Dick also taught drum lessons at a Lewiston studio.

Dick was a member of the Kiwanis Club, in Madison, where he was president for two years. He was also a member of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks, and his genuinely caring heart led him to volunteer for many organizations. Dick and Nancy loved their homes, on Lake Wesserunsett.

Following retirement, Dick enjoyed his home workshop, where he cleverly designed and built several pieces of furniture. Among his many joys, was sitting down with a good book – often chosen from his extensive collection.

Together, they enjoyed wintering in Florida for nine years, where they golfed and traveled. He knew how to make everyone around him laugh. He also had a more serious side, and he was always willing to impart wisdom, whenever asked.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; their three children: Richard Glover, Jr. and wife Celeste, of Old Orchard Beach, Kelly Seegmiller and husband Robert, of Marana, Arizona, and Madison, Debbie Vickers and husband David, of Azle, Texas; five granddaughters, Michelle Love and fiancé Nick Allen, Nicole O’Brien and husband Michael, Savanah Behan and husband Brian, Alyssa Larson and husband Blake, and Brianna Santos & husband Julian; five great-grandchildren, Liam Love, Fin Love, Bryson Carter, Charlie Wilder, and Norah Jo Santos; his brother, Robert Glover and wife Jodi; sister-in-law Kathy LaGasse and husband Edward; three nephews; and several cousins.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, and a cousin, Shirley Hodgdon.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan.

There was a memorial service held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 11, at 1 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m., at The Heritage House, in Skowhegan.

Condolences may be offered at http://www.smartandedwardsFH.com

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Dick Glover to the Dementia Society of America at http://www.dementiasociety.org/donate.

CRYSTAL L. GALLANT

OAKLAND – Crystal Lynn Gallant, 51, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at her home, in Oakland. She was born on September 27, 1970, in Waterville, to David “Dick” R. Thebarge, Sr. and Marlene M. (Marcoux) Howard.

Crystal married Donald H. Gallant in 1990 and had two daughters, Angelena Gallant (age 31) and Courtney Gallant (age 27). Crystal loved seeing her daughter’s accomplishments and listening about their adventures. It always brought a smile to her face.

Later in life, after Crystal and Donald separated, Crystal found love with Ronnie McBreairty and his two sons, Lowell, and Ryan McBreairty.

Crystal loved listening to some country music and gathering with family members. Crystal sought out the good in everyone and made many friends along the way.

Crystal’s occupation was a food service worker at Dana Dining Hall, at Colby College, in Waterville. She worked closely with many beloved coworkers since October 1, 2008.

She is survived by her daughters, Angelena, and Courtney; siblings, Lisa Thebarge, and Joshua Thebarge; nieces, Amber Oakes, and Hannah Moody; alongside many other family members and friends.

Crystal was predeceased by her parents, Marlene, and David; stepfather, Lewis “Picky” Howard; brother, David R. Thebarge Jr.; grandparents, Andrienne (Roderick) Marcoux and Donald Marcoux; and her fiancé of 15 years, Ronnie McBreairty.

A graveside burial ceremony for Crystal will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery; 78 Grove St., Waterville, on Thursday, August 18, at 11:30 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

Flowers or donations to the family can be sent c/o Wheeler Funeral Home.

JEFFREY O. BICKFORD

FAIRFIELD – Jeffrey Oliver Bickford, 74, passed away at home on Thursday July 28, 2022. He bravely endured pulmonary fibrosis for three years. Jeffrey was born in Water­ville, on April 10, 1948, the son of Fred­erick Hartson Bickford and Maxine Louis (Mushero) Bickford, both of Fairfield.

He was raised in Fairfield, attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School and Lawrence High School as a member of the class of 1966.

He was an original founder of PHB with his brother Jim Bickford, and Larry Warren, and was later joined by his brother Jon. In his capacity as a builder and carpenter Jeffrey built hundreds of homes in the greater Fairfield area. He later trained as a millwright and worked his way up to superintendent. In that capacity he worked for Cianbro Corp., Pizzagalli Construction, Abbington Constructors and Rust Construction, to name a few. During those years, he traveled across the Northeast and Michigan to service and rebuild essential equipment in the paper mill and other industries. He was well respected and in high demand in his field.

In his youth Jeffrey enjoyed basketball and was a varsity player for Lawrence High School. His athleticism and enthusiasm for the outdoors and engines provided endless hours of enjoyment, including competing in small tractor pulling, stock car racing at Unity Motor Speedway, motorcycle enduro racing (a sport where aged 29 was considered “over-the-hill”). He was considered a “ringer” in golf tournaments dressed in his denim overalls and work boots. His sense of humor and story telling were widely known and admired as two of his best qualities.

Jeff built many houses in his long life, but the home he enjoyed the most was the “down-back” home surrounded by trees, ponds, and wildlife. As a boy he even camped out there and dreamed of a life on this special spot. He particularly enjoyed sitting on the porch watching the ducks and geese in the pond, turtles meandering, the deer raising their young and the garden bearing the gifts from his land. The pond he had built brought hours of enjoyment; even as his health was declining he watched his great-grandchildren Benjamin, MacKinzy, Ry-Ry, Serenity and Sage swim and play. The whole family gathered and picnicked together on the land that meant so much to him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Maxine, his sister-in-law Gail Bickford, his brother-in-law David Weigel, and his brother-in-law Dana J. Slye. The most impactful and tragic was his infant son who lays resting in St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah Slye-Bickford; his children Holly Marie Demo, Crystal Lee Ann Pressey and her husband Bo, Paula Anne Criss and her partner Nathaniel Cobb; and a daughter from whom he is estranged; his grandchildren, Nicholas “Nick” J. Casey and his wife Deni, Ryan P. Casey and his wife Becky, Kristen Smiley and her husband Brian, Lindsay Batchelder and her husband Evan, Codey Casey, Dylan Huff, Devin Huff, his youngest Katelynn Pressey, and her sister Kelly; his great-grandchildren, Benjamin Smiley, MacKinzy Booker, Ryan Casey, Marlon and Lorelei Batchelder, and Cadence and Graysen Murray; his siblings, Dr. Joseph “Jerry” Bickford, Phyllis Dubois and her husband Stanley, James Bickford and his wife Giselle, Jonathan Bickford, and Theresa Weigel; his sisters in-law, Deanne Slye, Darby Slye and Nancy Hudnall; and brother in-law Dean J. Slye; many nieces and nephews; a cousin Allen Foster and niece Laura Slye and her partner David Erickson; his first wife and mother of his children Marilyn Bickford.

Per his wishes, there will be no formal services. An out-door celebration of life will be held on the grounds of his “down-back” home on Saturday, August 20, 2022, starting at 1 p.m. More details will be posted by Crystal Pressey via social media. His burial will take place at the newly-constructed family plot on the property.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

For those who wish to honor his memory, please make donations to the Humane Society Waterville Area (www.hswa.org), 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901, for all the special pets he held dear in his lifetime.

ANDREW B. BERRY

WHITEFIELD – Andrew Bunker Berry, 82, of Whitefield, passed peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2022. Andrew was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1939, the son of Katherine Pew and Richard Berry.

He grew up in Cape Elizabeth, graduated from Hebron Academy and went on to earn his bachelor’s in economics at Cornell University.

Andrew was most known throughout Maine and the local community as the long-time owner of Maine Helicopters, Inc., where he worked on many agricultural, tower and construction projects throughout the state. He served on the Board of Pesti­cides, and loca­lly, the Whitefield Appeals Board. He was also a member of The Whitefield Historical Society.

“Andy” had friends in every corner of Maine. Doors were always open to him for a cup of coffee, a meal, or libation. His quick wit, smile and charm won him many lifelong friends.

It was no secret that Andrew’s greatest passion was pleasure boating on the Maine coast. This passion for being on the water coupled with his love for traditional Maine working boats landed him right in the middle of the lobster community. He not only enjoyed using a lobster boat design for his own boat, but he and his boat of the moment were well known at the Maine Lobster Boat Races. He served on the Lobster Boat Race committee and often was the acting “committee boat”. When his duties as committee boat captain were done, he could be found right in the middle of a raft of race boats and other fans celebrating the weekend’s events.

Once retired, he and his girlfriend Jenn enjoyed a flotilla of other passionate boaters, where they would cross the Bay of Fundy and ultimately rendezvous in St. John, New Brunswick/ Nova Scotia. In later years, Andrew did not sail as far as he used to, but the couple enjoyed quieter times at Long Cove, in Vinalhaven, with other boaters and friends on the island.

Though boating was his main passion, he had many hobbies and favorite places. He enjoyed time spent at the family camp on Eustis Ridge, wintered at Tybee Island and Belize. As for hobbies, he made his own maple syrup, took wood-turning classes, sketched, cooked and liked to throw a good party.

Most memorable were his gatherings with family and a few lucky friends. He loved a good potluck and always enjoyed a glass of homemade liqueur made by his youngest brother Tom. At a certain hour, you could be sure that the furniture would be pushed aside and there would be dancing to his favorite band, “The Chambers Brothers”.

Andrew was predeceased by his parents, and grandson, Connor McLean.

He is survived by his children Jon Berry and wife Jessica Moreau-Berry; Elizabeth Berry MacKenney and husband Scott MacKenney; granddaughter Madeline McLean; siblings Ted Berry and Thomas Berry; and girlfriend Jennifer Paul.

There will be a gathering and celebration of his life this fall in Whitefield, date to be announced soon.

BONNIE LAPRISE

BENTON – Bonnie Laprise, 66, of Benton, passed away peacefully, at The Androscoggin Hospice House, on Friday, July 29, 2022.

She was an outdoor person who loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile and garden. One of her great joys was cooking for her loved ones. She loved socializing with friends and family around the campfire. She touched many lives and will be missed by many. She had a close and lifelong connection with her mother and brother.

She is survived by her husband, of 33 years, Bob Laprise, and his daughter Dawn Smith and her spouse Brian Dolloff, and their three children, Philip, his daughter Merida, Chris, Dave and daughter Charlotte; her daughter Dodi Olsen and her children, Mason and Kyle Touch­ette, Jay Anderson his children, Nick and spouse Mary Anderson and Kaylee and Devin L. and child Kylie; three sisters, Sandy and her spouse Rodney Knox, Linda and her spouse Bill Bowe, and Laurie Aldrich; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Albie and Theresa Laprise; several great-grandchildren including one on the way; and a niece.

She was predeceased by her parents, Peggy and Mose Aldrich, brother Ricky Aldrich and a granddaughter Brittany Brown.

There will be no services.

If you desire, in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Androscoggin Hospice House or Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.

DARRICK J. DELILE

WINSLOW – Darrick John Delile, 43, passed away Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was born January 6, 1979, in Wat­er­­ville, the son of Robert J. and Cynthia J. (Tardiff) Delile.

He attended Winslow High School. He was employed at U-Haul and was an attendant with K-Mart. He was an avid basketball fan.

Darrick is survived by his son, Dominic Clifford, of Smithfield; parents, Robert and Cynthia Delile, of Winslow; uncles, John Delile, of Winslow, and Roger Bouchard, of Bend, Oregon; aunts, Karen Delile, of Winslow, Nancy Boulette and Brenda Hawkins,, both of Waterville, and Jackie Grenier, of Winslow; his son’s mother, Jessica Clifford, of Smithfield; godmother, Janet Pellitier.

He was predeceased by his older brother, Shane Delile.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 10 a.m., at St. John Church, Monument Street, Winslow.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations to the Skowhegan High School Tennis and/or Basketball Program, 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

EUGENE E. COUTURE

WATERVILLE – Eugene “Gene” E. Couture, 91, passed away, in Waterville, on August 1, 2022. He was born October 4, 1930, the son of William and Elizabeth (Dostie)Taylor. Gene graduated from Waterville Senior High School, class of 1949, then graduated class of 1957 from Thomas Business College, in Waterville, with a degree in business administration and higher accounting, receiving the Thomas College Higher Accounting Award. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954.

Gene worked for his father at the family business, W.A. Taylor, in Waterville, (established in 1928), from the age of 12. After coming home from service, he returned to his father’s business. In 1970, he became general manager until semi-retirement in 1994. During this time, he met the love of his life Judith Traynor Couture. They were married on May 14, 1966, and spent 56 years together. Gene had been employed 49 years at W.A. Taylor, finally selling the building in May 2003, retiring at the age of 72.

In addition to his work, Gene was also a member of the Bourque-Lanigan American Legion, Post #5, in Waterville, for many years, as well as a member of the Parish of the Holy Spirit as a collector, did the Sunday morning soup kitchen for St. Francis de Sales parish, was the director of Keso Federal Credit Union for 15 years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, Senior League Bowling, and family outings and trips.

He was predeceased by his parents William and Elizabeth, sister Agnes Pomerleau and husband Frank, Cecile Dugas and husband Larry, brothers Kenneth and wife Marie, Reginald and wife Orita, and Bernard.

He is survived by his wife Judy and daughter Michelle; his brothers Jimmy and wife Enola, and Harvey and wife Renette; and sisters Jenny, Norma, Rita, and Betty.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, Maine 04901.

An online guestbook may be signed, and condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

MARTHA A. PERKINS

UNITY – Martha A. Perkins, 90, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, in Waterville. She was born on February 18, 1932, in Unity, one of 10 children born to the late Melvin and Hazel (Dodge) Hubbard.

She retired from Ethan Allen Furniture, in Burnham.

Martha loved and lived for her family. She helped to raise one of her granddaughters, was kind and generous, and was a very loving mother and grandmother. She liked diamond painting, making ceramics, and watching Westerns on TV. She really enjoyed going to the casinos to play the slot machines.

She is survived by her children, Starr Davidson, of California, Pamela Robinson and her husband, Horace, of Albion, Melvin “George” Perkins, of Thorndike, and Timothy Perkins and companion Angela Kennedy, of Knox; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Ruth Smith and Jayne Hutton, both of Thorndike; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dennis Perkins Sr., son Dennis Perkins Jr.; and seven siblings, John, Melvin, Lawrence, Ernest, Hazel “Snooky”, Raymond, and Gertrude.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 2022, at the Snow Duster’s Club House, Fischer Road, Unity, Maine.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Research, 510 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or http://www.stjude.org.

NELSON J. McINTIRE

WATERVILLE – Nelson J. McIntire, 95, a longtime resident of Readfield, Monmouth and Lakeville, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville. He was born on November 22, 1926, the son of Merrill McIntire and Pearl (Gregory) McIntire, in Acushnet, Massachusetts.

Nelson attended schools in Massachusetts and Maine. He married Lila Horn on February 24, 1947, and were married for 52 years, before her passing in February 1999. He had worked at Albany Felt and Tex Tech Industries. Nelson enjoyed hunting, fishing and dabbling in real estate. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by one son Michael McIntire, of Canaan; three daughters, Deborah Stufflebeam, of Monmouth, Sherrie McIntire, of Pittston, and Charline Horsford, of Wareham, Massachusetts; his companion Shirley Tibbets, of Benton; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Lila McIntire, a son, Merle McIntire; a daughter, Elizabeth Smith, two grandsons; Jason and Chad Bumpus, a brother, Merle McIntire and a sister, June Greene.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Central Cemetery, Center Street, Middleborough, Massachusetts.

Arrangements by Bragdon-Finley Funeral Home, 707 Main Street, Monmouth, Maine.