OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 14, 2024

JOSEPH R. LeBLANC

BANGOR – Joseph Robert LeBlanc, 83, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at a Bangor Hospital. He was born on May 20, 1940, in Waterville, the son of Joseph Wilfred LeBlanc and Jennette Beatrice Richards LeBlanc.

Bob served in the U.S. Army, the Army Reserve, and the Air National Guard. One month after Alaska became a state, Bob was stationed there. His career included being a photographer, a forest ranger, a Kennebec County deputy sheriff, a computer salesman, and he held a variety of positions on the railroad.

When personal computers and hard drives first become available to purchase, Bob taught himself how to build computers from scratch. As a member of the Central Maine Linux Users Group, Bob taught people how to install Linux software, and how to use it. Amateur radio was his passion; Bob got his Ham license over 40 years ago.

Bob’s parents Joseph Wilfred LeBlanc and Jennette Beatrice Richards LeBlanc, and his brother, Mark LeBlanc, predeceased him.

He is survived by his daughters Janet L. LeBlanc and Rebecca L. Yong; his grandson, Alex Young; his niece, Sara Tulley, his nephew, Brian LeBlanc; and three step-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, March 4, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

GALEN LANPHIER

VASSALBORO – Galen “Lucky” Lanphier, 76, peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at his home. “Lucky” was born on February 1, 1948, son to Lewis and Louise (Tyler) Lanphier. He was born and raised in Camden, where he created many memories.

He was a proud veteran who served in the U. S. Navy from 1965-1971. He was a devoted father, husband, grandfather and friend. Lucky enjoyed golfing, spending time with family, and working in his garden.

He was predeceased by both his parents and his brother Stephen.

He is survived by his wife Belinda “Sissy” Lanphier, who he spent 41 years with; children Jamie Mayhew, Diane Coleman, Max Lanphier, Brandi Mayhew and Tammy LaBelle; grandchildren Nason, Denali, Alecia, Leticia, Allen Michael, Alisha Dawn, Amber Rose and Alexa; great-grandchildren Chloe, Cyrus and Claire; siblings Clinton, Clayton and Joanne; brother Bobby Talbot; and close friend Melanie Sanborn.

A Celebration of life was held on Saturday, March 9, at Fairfield VFW.

BRADFORD L. THORPE SR.

WATERVILLE – Bradford Leigh Thorpe Sr. “Brad”, 68, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. Brad was born on March 25, 1955, to parents Robert and Marianne Thorpe.

Brad was a cherished husband, father, and papa. He was known for his selfless nature and always extended a helping hand to those in need. Brad had a rewarding career at Dead River Company for 28 years. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, camping, solving puzzles and problems, and spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Thorpe; his mother Marianne Thorpe; his children, Benjamin Thorpe, Jennifer and husband Charles Alley, Bradford Thorpe Jr., Kelley and husband Ben Plaisted, Katherine Thorpe, Nicole and husband Ian Haywood, Ashley and husband Michael Allen, Miranda and husband Carlton Prime, Matthew D. Thorpe, and Pete and wife Mindy Mass (who were like children to Brad), Kloee and and husband Nelson Bradley; his grandchildren, Patrick, Nevick, Capri, Myles, Zephelin, Mallory, Carlan, Weston, Logan, Theodore, Isabella, Lola, and Vivienne; great-grandchild Sarrese; his siblings James Thorpe and wife Gai, Steve Thorpe and wife Dixie, Diana McKeen and husband Daniel, Andrew Thorpe and wife Amy, and Thomas Thorpe and wife Kimberly; aunt Linda Thorpe; as well as many nieces, nephews.

Brad was predeceased by his father Robert Thorpe; son Matthew A. Thorpe; and uncle Douglas Thorpe.

A funeral will be held at East Benton Christian Church on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. A gathering will be held immediately afterward at the church for family and friends to gather and celebrate Brad.

MARGO J. VINCENT

WATERVILLE – Margo J. Vincent, 75, of Waterville, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Oak Grove Center, Waterville. She was born to Leon Vincent and Bertha Vincent Swanson, on November 21, 1948, at Madison Avenue, Redington Memorial Hospital, Skowhegan.

Margo attended the Clinton Elementary and Waterville school systems. Following her schooling, she was employed by Harris Bakery, in Waterville, for a brief time and then worked at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, as a dietary aid and laundry assistant, retiring in 2014 after 40 years of service to MaineGeneral Hospital, inWaterville.

She was a former member of the Waterville Business and Professional Women and member of the Getchell Street United Baptist Church, in Waterville, where she served as Sunday School secretary.

Margo was an avid fan of the Boston Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics. She enjoyed putting puzzles together, knitting, and playing solitaire. Current issues of latest Seek and Find, Sudoku and Jumbo books waiting for her enjoyment.

Over the years she had two furry friends Precious and Lily keeping her company at her home.

Margo was predeceased by her parents, Leon Vincent and Bertha V. Swanson; sister Nancy L. Lizotte; stepfather Lawrence Swanson; and stepsister Eleanor Hunter.

She is survived by her sister Marilyn V. Ladd, of Oakland; and stepbrother Ted Swanson, of Unity; nieces and spouses Elizabeth Medema (Ed), of Mukilteo, Washington, Terri Suchar (Russell), of Pittston; grand-nieces and -nephews Joel, Corey, Rebecca, Evan, Luke, and Sarah Suchar, all of Pittston; and several cousins.

A celebration of Margo’s life was held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Getchell Street United Baptist Church, 3 Getchell Street, Waterville, with former Pastor Ronald Corey officiating.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Huamen Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

NAPOLEON J. ROY

AUGUSTA – Napoleon J. Roy, 99, passed away peacefully while in residence in the Memory Care unit at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. Napoleon was born in Waterville on April 22, 1924, the son of Aglae and Paul Roy

Napoleon, aka “Nappy” to all his caregivers at MVH, proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine during World War II. During the conflict, Napoleon was stationed in the Panama Canal, protecting ships using that vital link for naval and supply vessels. When pressed about his service, “Nap” would recall spending nights in the jungles with his guard dog to ensure the safety and security of ship traffic.

Napoleon was predeceased by his three siblings, Harold, Lionel, and Theresa. All three boys served in World War II, each in a different service branch.

At the age of 39, Nap married his beloved Juliette and they enjoyed more than three decades of adventure, travel and fostering new friendships as they resided in their castle, on Summit Street, in Fairfield.

Nap’s love of gardening was the envy of many, as he took great pride in manicured grounds. Upon Julie’s passing, Napoleon returned to the family home on Nudd Street, in Waterville, where he would engage neighbors with his wit, contagious flirting, and uncanny ability to repair anything. As a product of the Great Depression, Nap was mindful not to waste and be frugal with what he earned. He doted over Theresa’s three children, Peggy, Donald, and Larry, which he considered his own.

While Napoleon fell a few weeks short of turning 100, his life was filled with a twinkle in his eye and debonair charm. Nap was a lifetime member at the Waterville Elks Lodge, where he always enjoyed a game of pool along with dining and dancing. He also had lifetime memberships with the Waterville Forrest J. Pare Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1285, and Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5. Nap’s longevity in life, outliving all his immediate family and friends, was the result of constantly being “on the move” and living life to its’ fullest.

Napoleon’s final years were spent cultivating a new family, a wonderful array of caregivers at the Maine Veterans Home. It was there that “Nappy” and his endearing personality led to many staff hugs, activities, and smiles. During his time at the Maine Veterans Home, he was blessed to participate in Honor Flight Maine, where he witnessed firsthand the World War II memorial in the nation’s capital.

A service was held the next morning, Saturday, March 9, at Gallant Funeral Home, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

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

CECIL B. HALL

UNITY – Cecil B. Hall, 89, died Thursday, March 7, 2024, at his hom. He was born in Marsardis on February 16, 1935.

He graduated and joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War 1954 to 1957.

Cecil retired from Ames at the age of 62. He continued to work after “retirement” for American Greetings part time until he was 80.

Cecil was a gentle soul. His kind hearted ways, smile and laugh will never be forgotten. When he saw you his beautiful blue eyes would light up as he would say “Hi Honey” to his girls. His love was pure and unconditional. He will be truly missed.

He enjoyed making birdhouses, small furniture and puttering in his workshop. He loved being outside working in the yard, garden, raking leaves and shoveling snow. We enjoyed his funny stories about growing up in the county… from picking potatoes to walking miles to school through 2 feet of snow during snow storms.

He is survived by his wife, Gabrielle; daughter, Jo Ann Ponsant; stepdaughters Gisele Castonguay, Ginger Raymond Stevens and their extended families; sisters Diane David and Elaine Hall; brother, Arlo Hall.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Jannie Lee Hall; brother, Charles Hall and sister, Yvonne Brewer.

Cremation arrangements are by Dan and Scott Adams Cremation and Funeral Services, Farmington, 207-779-9008, or Skowhegan, 207-474-0000)

Date of internment at the Maine Veterans Cemetery to be determined.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) https://www.dav.org.

OTHERS DEPARTED

STACY A. GRONDIN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Stacy A. Grondin, 49, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away at Vanderbilt Hospital following a short battle with aggressive cancer, on Mon­day, February 19, 2024. Stacy was born on February 21, 1974, to Robert Grondin and Gail Champine (Whitter) in Augusta. A few years later they moved to Winslow where Stacy graduated from Winslow Senior High School class of 1992.

Stacy met the father of her three daughters, Jeffrey Gush, shortly after graduating. Stacy and Jeff relocated to Tennessee in the fall of 1997. She worked at Toys R Us until the store closed. She then worked for Aldi’s for many years in different positions for the company. Most recently she worked at Sprout’s Farmers Market. While down there she met her boyfriend of 20 years, Christopher Richardson.

Stacy absolutely loved spending time with her grandchild, she spent as much time as she could with them right up to the last weeks of her life. Stacy loved animals and frequented the Nashville Zoo often. She leaves behind her two dogs Bella and Polo and her two cats Koala and Fat Cat. Outside of spending time with her daughters and grandchildren she loved escaping the Nashville heat and visiting home (Maine) as often as she could.

Stacy was predeceased by her daughter Jaime Ann Gush (Ashley’s twin); both sets of grandparents Armand and Evelyn Grondin and Stanley and Irene Whittier both of Augusta; her uncle Stephen Grondin.

Stacy is survived by her father Robert Grondin (long time girlfriend, Tina Wellman), of Mt Vernon; her mother Gail Champine (spouse, Timothy), of Waterville; her three daughters and four grandchildren Samantha Gush, Ashley Gush (granddaughter Ashlyn Clinard, grandson Leo Gush and granddaughter Aurora Cartelli) and Emily Grondin (grandson, Kaiden “KK” Grondin), all residing in Nashville; her sisters Jessica Grondin (nephew and niece Dylan and Madison Yakimchick), of Waterville, Carly Champine, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts;her aunts Alice, Joyce, Pam and Jane, and her uncle David; along with many cousins.

A celebration of life will be on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 2 p.m., at the Pointe Afta, 252 China Rd., Winslow, ME 04901.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, P.O. Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141, orcahope.org.