OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 12, 2023

PAUL J. LEVASSEUR SR.

BENTON – Paul J. Levasseur Sr., 76, of Benton, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022. Paul was born to Edmond C. Levasseur and Antoinette Roy Levasseur, on October 10, 1946, in Waterville.

Paul grew up in Winslow where he also attended school. Paul honorably served in the United States Army from 1966 – 1968.

During Paul’s break he married his best friend and high school sweetheart Camellia S. Thibodeau Levasseur, on September 4, 1967.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, however Paul loved nothing more than each grandchild and great-grandchild from the second they were born. He enjoyed the outdoors from campfires, gardening, cutting wood and making maple syrup where he taught his children many trades. Paul loved his sweets, and he loved to feed them to all the children when they walked through the door. He also loved sitting in the screenhouse watching the birds that came to the many bird feeders. Last but not least, Paul loved serving the Lord; and if he could leave a last message to you, it would be to follow Jesus and receive him as your Lord and Savior.

He was predeceased by his baby girl Lisa M. Levasseur; parents Edmond and Antoinette Levasseur; brothers and sisters Conrad Levasseur, Lucille and Jerry Gagnon, Jeanne Rodrigue, Anne and Charlie Merrill, James Levasseur, Marie Levasseur, Donald Levasseur, Phil Levasseur, Mike Levasseur, James Thibodeau, and Joseph Thibodeau III.

Paul is survived by his wife Camellia S. Levasseur; their children and their spouses Paul Jr. and Melissa Levasseur, Scott A. and Tiffany Levasseur, Dwayne Levasseur, Derek and Ashley Levasseur, Donald and Dori Sheets; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ron and Nicole (Sophia and Madelynn) Miller, Paul III and Kristen (Coraline and Penelope) Levasseur, Kyle and Samantha (Gage, Mykalia, Alivia and Elsie) Metcalf, Katrina Pirtel and Joe (Payton) Nadeau, Brianna Bowring, Anthony and Aneasa (Jayla, Lucas and Everett) Levasseur, Casey and Vinisha Levasseur, Benjamin and Sarah (Michelle) Levasseur, Brice Edgerly, Nathan Levasseur, Isaac and Alexis (Abigail) Manley, Jacob and Maranda (Lucas and Noah) Applebee, Colton Levasseur, Bella O’Brien, Joe Buker and Lisa Levasseur and his grandchild to be (Ellie Mae), Hunter Levasseur, Dakota Sheets, Adonya Sheets; brothers and sisters, Albert Roderique, June Day, Claire Paron, Lorraine Levasseur, Janice and Alan Beane, Arthur and Joy Thibodeau, Gisele Thibodeau, Ginger Levasseur; and many more family members.

A Celebration of Life was held at Living Water Church, Oakland, on January 7.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Living Water Community Church.

FREDERICK J. RUDER

WATERVILLE – Frederick Joseph Ruder, 75, died on Thursday, December 29, 2022.

Frederick lived in many places around the world as a child, and in adulthood eventually settled in Maine.

In 1972 Frederick opened The Sign of the Sun, in Waterville, thus establishing long lasting deep roots in the Waterville area. Sign of the Sun was not only an occupation for Frederick, but also a passion that brought together his skills of artistry, community, and entrepreneurship for 49 years. Frederick will also be remembered for his sense of humor, his eclectic collections, and his love of reading.

Frederick is survived by his wife Lisa; children Nathaniel Ruder (Janalyn), Teague Ruder (Liz), Elsbeth Ebenhoe (Marcus), Maggie Ruder (Paul Dickover); his 11 grandchildren; and his brother Steve (Vicki).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Alfond Youth and Community Center.

KRISTIN E. FRENCH

WATERVILLE – Kristin Ellen French, 38, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, following a brief illness.

Kristin graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. She loved cooking and baking cakes. She created beautiful needlework crafts including exquisite lace. Kristin was an avid reader who cherished her Bible. She enjoyed watching movies with her son, phone calls with her granddaughters and doing adult coloring books with her daughter.

Her survivors include her children Hannah Owens and Allen “A.J.” Albert, Jr.; granddaughters Amiya Owens and Layla Arbour; her mother Kelly Lessard, stepfather Raymond “Tuffy” Brickett; grandmother Gail Alexander French; and sisters Carol Brickett Bickford and Rae-Anne Marie. Kristin is also survived by Hal Stratton, Sr. who was a father figure to her for the last 15 years; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Kristin was predeceased by her father, Dennis Hutchings Jr.; grandparents Georgie Gagne, Dennis Hutchings Sr., Frederick French Sr., Amy Bezanson Brickett and Edward Brickett; and brother Peter Brickett.

A celebration of Kristin’s life was held on January 7, 2023, at the Bessey Building, 22 Main Street, Albion.

STEVEN S. GOGAN

SHAWMUT – Steven Stanley Gogan, 65, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., on Saturday, January 14, at the Fairfield United Methodist Church , Rt. 201, in Fairfield.

Please visit http://www.lawrybrothers.com where memories may be shared, a full obituary viewed, and an online register book signed.

CHARLIE A. MEANS JR.

WATERVILLE – Charlie A. Means Jr., 101, passed away at Mount Saint Joseph, in Waterville, on Saturday December 31, 2022. Charlie was born to Charlie Sr. and Eunice (Reynolds) Means at the family homestead in Unity Plantation in 1921.

Charlie and his sisters, Juanita and Gertrude, spent many happy hours together there. He learned many trades from his father such as blacksmithing, fixing wagons, wood cutting, farming, and gardening.

He attended the Unity Plantation School until his father became ill and was needed to help run the farm. Charlie met the love of his life, Dorothy Rawley while attending church. They were wed on December 15, 1951, and enjoyed many happy years together until her passing in 2017.

They began their life together in Waterville where they welcomed their children Cheryl and Charlie III. They moved to Winslow in 1960. He was employed for over 30 years at W.S. Pillsbury and Sons, in Waterville, doing sales, installation, and service of farm equipment until they closed in 1983. Next Charlie worked as a Correctional Officer in the Somerset County Correctional Facility, in Skowhegan, for 15 years.

Family time was important to Charlie, he loved taking trips to visit his family and exploring new places. Later he built a camp on East Pond, in Smithfield, with the help of his family to enjoy time with his children. There they enjoyed many family gatherings, going for boat rides, driving the boat for water skiing, and playing cards.

After retiring, Charlie and Dot enjoyed traveling with their camper and was proud to have visited all 50 states. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren watching them participate in sporting, school, and church events. Charlie also enjoyed doing puzzles, working on building projects and could figure out a way to fix almost anything.

Charlie was a very active member of Getchell Street Baptist Church for over 70 years. He taught Sunday School classes and served on the Property and Pulpit Committees. Charlie was honored to serve on the Diaconate Board as a Deacon, a role he held until he met the Lord face to face.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Dot; his son, Chuck; his sisters, Juanita Lanpher and Gertrude Ricker; and several other family members.

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Cheryl McInnis and her husband Dana; daughter- in-law. Tina Means; grandchildren, Craig McInnis and his wife Jennifer, Christopher McInnis and his wife Rachel, CariAnn Means; his great-grandchildren, Cameron, Jaelynn, Cora, Cobie and Charlie McInnis; brothers-in-law, Richard Rawley, David Rawley and his wife Marie; several other nieces, nephews, and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, January 8, at Getchell Street Baptist Church, 3 Getchell Street, Waterville.

Burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to Getchell Street Baptist Church, 3 Getchell St., Waterville, ME 04901 or a charity of your choice.

RICHARD B. STARKEY JR.

Richard Bert Starkey, Jr., 59, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. He was born October 25, 1963, to Richard B. and Virginia B. (Hearn) Starkey in Waterville, Maine.

He grew up in China, attending China Elementary School and Winslow High School. He was active in scouts, and played baseball, basketball and football. He was full of spirit, and played hard at life.

Richard joined the U.S.Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist for over nine years with assignments in Alaska, North Dakota, Florida, Korea, and Iraq.

After discharge Dick worked as a construction manager throughout Florida, the Caribbean and South America. While working in the Dominican Republic he met Patricia and they had two sons together.

When the job ended he lived in Florida until he got a call from home. His dad’s health began to fail quickly, so he came home to Maine to live with and help care for both parents. He worked as a handyman around the small town he had grown up in, renewing friendships and making more memories.

Following his dad’s passing, and his mom going into long-term care, Richard returned for a brief time to the Dominican Republic and his family there. Upon returning to Maine he worked for a time at VA Togus Hospital. His battle with alcohol and subsequent declining health made his last few years difficult. Never-the-less Dick was the helpful, playful neighbor at his apartment complex in Farmingdale where he was loved and will be remembered fondly.

In July 2022 he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, a battle he was not prepared for, but he fought anyway with whatever treatment he could get. He made it by a few hours into the new year.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, sister Lydia, and brother George.

Richard’s spirit lives on in his two sons, Richard and Danny and their mom, Patricia. He is also survived by siblings Edward and partner Mark Colonna, Sandra and husband Paul Keller, Heide and husband Charles Hotham and sister-in-law Dawn Starkey; nieces and nephews, Amy (and Jamie) Starkey, Nick Starkey, Anna, Aaron (and Sara), and Abby Keller, Summer and Grady Hotham as well as many cousins and great- nieces and great-nephews.

Richard was proud to be a veteran and grateful for the care he received at both the VA Togus as well as the VA Hospitals in Boston. In honor of Richard, find a veteran, make a way to show your appreciation for their service, and bring some joy into their life.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m., at the China Baptist Church, with Ron Morrell and Ed Hatch officiating. Family and friends are welcome to come to encourage each other and share memories at the reception to follow.

Burial will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

JILL D. COLOMY

SIDNEY – Jill D. Colomy, 61, passed away peacefully at Bella Point Nursing Home, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. She was born on August 3, 1961,, to Kenneth E. Colomy Sr. and the late Jacquelyn R. (Finnemore) Colomy.

Jill graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1979. She then went on to the University of Maine at Augusta, where she received her associates degree in accounting.

In her free time, she enjoyed going to the beach, riding her bike, and spending time with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother Jacquelyn Colomy; and her brother, Kenneth Colomy Jr.

Jill is survived by her son, Timothy Colomy; sisters, Karen O’Connor and husband Kevin, of Mt Vernon, Judy Colomy, of Augusta, Debra Colomy and her partner Ed, of Augusta; many nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service was held at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, in Augusta, on Monday, January 9, at 7 p.m.

A private graveside service will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

ALPHONSE LePAGE

WINSLOW – Alphonse “Babe” LePage, 90, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023. Babe was born to the late Victoria (Veilleux) and Alphonse LePage, Sr.

He attended Waterville schools. Babe was drafted to the U.S. Army and served his country from 1955-1957.

He married Theresa Thibodeau in 1953 and together they raised four children.

Babe started his masonry business, A. LePage & Sons Masonry in 1964 after learning the trade from other seasoned masons. He retired in the early ’90s at which time his sons took over the business. He loved checking on “the boys” to see how they were doing on their jobs. Babe was a very caring and generous man, often helping those less fortunate.

After retirement you could often find him tinkering in his garage or working on his woodpile. He enjoyed his Sunday rides to the coast, shopping at discount stores in town and having coffee with friends at McDonald’s. His favorite place to be was sitting on his swing at camp on Unity Pond or spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa; children David (Beverly), of Burnham, Denis (Michelle), of Winslow, Daryl (Trish Crowell), of Winslow, and Melissa White (Markus), of Winslow; sisters Jeannette Boudreau, of Waterville, Pearl DeLong (Michael), of Florida, and brother, Raymond (Pauline Maxwell), of Waterville; sister-in-law, Georgette Dwan, of Florida; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, January 12, at 10 a.m., at St. John Catholic Church, in Winslow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the LePage family.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Corpus Christi Parish, 17 South Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901.

MARJORIE RODRIGUE

WATERVILLE – Marjorie Rodrigue, 87, passed away on Thursday January 5, 2023, at North­ern Light Con­tinuing Care, Lakewood, in Waterville, where she had been residing for a little over a year. Marjorie was born on March 10, 1935, the daughter of Joseph and Carmen (Vashon) LeBrasseur.

While she was educated in Waterville, she attended Sacred Heart Convent, in Jackman, for a short while in 1947.

She was a graduate of the Waterville High School class of 1953. On November 3, 1956, she married Louis Rodrigue and they were married for 53 years before he died on April 6, 2010.

They were blessed with their children Lee, Celeste, Kathy and Linda. She worked most of her adult life at Depositor’s Trust Co. and later Key Bank, both in Waterville, where she held various positions and titles, retiring in 1997.

Marjorie was recently described as having a tough exterior with a marshmallow heart. This is exemplified by her greatest love, being family and family events. She was her happiest when planning birthdays, holidays, especially Christmas, family gatherings such as the “annual lobster feed, going to “camp” on Webber Pond”, and other family events. In her younger days, Marjorie was a great seamstress and made lots of clothes for her three girls. Later in life, she developed a passion for basketmaking and did a great job at this. She loved to share her baskets with family and friends, usually as a gift and they would come filled with all kinds of goodies. She also spent her time reading, playing games on the computer and crocheting kitchen dish towels.

Marjorie was predeceased by her husband; her parents; her brothers Joseph “Junior”, Charles (and his wife Liette) and Robert.

She is survived by her children, Lee and wife, Corinna Rodrigue, Celeste and husband Joe Theriault, Kathy and husband Steve Francoeur, Linda and husband Joel Caron; grandchildren Danielle and husband Jesse Woods, Eric and wife Kristina Theriault and Stacey Francoeur; great-grandchildren Caden and Atley Woods, Olive and Emmitt Theriault; sister-in-law, Lauraly Lebrasseur, Gabriel Marquis, Claudette Starbird and brother-in-law, Gene Rodrigue and his wife Susan; along with several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Corpus Christi’s Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, at 10 a.m., on Tuesday January 17, with burial in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville, later in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, we would like to ask family and friends to feel free to donate in Marjorie’s memory to the Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901 or to a soup kitchen of their choice.

REMY J. PETTENGILL

CHINA – Rémy Joel Pettengill, 17, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 7, 202, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Waterville, on December 29, 2005, a son of Lee H. and Danielle C. (Morin) Pettengill.

Rémy was a student at Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 2024.

He had earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019 and was a member of Troop #479, in China. Some of Rémy’s other proudest accomplishments included working at Pine Tree Camp, becoming both an American Red Cross Lifeguard and a BSA Lifeguard, assisting to coach his brother’s middle school track team, working at Camp Bomazeen, and volunteering with China Masonic Lodge #45. He was a member of the Erskine track team, National Honor Society, and the BSA Order of the Arrow – Madockawanda Lodge.

Rémy is survived by his parents, Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China; his two brothers: Aiden H. Pettengill and Bryson L. Pettengill, both of South China; maternal grandparents: Joel P. and Francine L. (Gagnon) Morin, of Madawaska; paternal grandparents: Arthur H. and Helen V. (Keany) Pettengill, of Chiefland, Florida; paternal uncle Luke (Trish) Pettengill, of Sharon, Vermont, as well as many extended family members and friends.

A gathering of family and friends (all are welcome!) will be held on Saturday, January 14, from 9 – 11 a.m., at Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Rd., South China.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. The family asks that casual attire be worn with “crazy socks”. They also request that you bring a pair of socks for donation in Rémy’s honor to homeless shelters and veterans groups.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

KERVIN L. PEABODY

WINDSOR – Kervin L. Peabody, 63, of Windsor, passed at his home, in Windsor, following a long illness. Kervin was born on October 18, 1959, in Augusta, the son of LuRoy Peabody and Carolyn Jackson.

He attended Gardiner school system.

Kervin was an over the road tractor-trailer driver for years. He loved working on vehicles such as mechanical work, restoration, including painting them. He loved sneaking off with his wife Nancy, heading up north to go camping, hunting, and sightseeing for the wildlife. Snowmobiling as well.

Kervin had a big heart and was a very generous guy. Helping anybody out, no matter what he was doing himself or who it was; even a total stranger. Kervin had the kind of personality he could get along with anyone. He loved joking, especially teasing his brothers. Most of all he thoroughly loved teasing his wife Nancy just as much!

Kervin was predeceased by his parents, father LuRoy Peabody and mother Carolyn Jackson, sisters Maida Peabody and Buffy Peabody, brothers Larry Peabody, and Ronnie Peabody.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Nancy J. Peabody; children, sons Kervin Dowdy, Joseph Swift, Steve Peabody and Eric Peabody; daughter Andrea Veilleux; brother Bobby Peabody, sister Ina Cadwallader, brothers Mike Peabody, Shawn Peabody and Scott Peabody; sister Tammy Abbott; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Notice of celebration will be posted at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net.