Obituaries for Thursday, November 7, 2019

ERNEST P. O’CONNOR JR.

OAKLAND – Ernest Patrick O’Connor Jr. “Peter,” 59, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 19, 2019, in Waterville. Peter was born in Augusta on January 4, 1960.

He enjoyed fishing, spending time with family and friends and took pride in taking care of his buddy Myrtle, the turtle that he rescued years ago.
Pete was a funny, fun loving guy who will be missed by many. Funeral services have yet to be decided at this time.

He was predeceased by his father Ernest O’Connor, his sister Julie O’Connor and his Uncle Ed Spaulding, who was very special to him.

He is survived by his son John Roy (who was his greatest accomplishment in life) and wife Katie; one grandson Brady Roy, all of Arundel; mother Loretta Rabassa, of Fairfield; one brother John O’Connor, of Waterville; three sisters, Diana Savage and husband Todd Savage, of Oakland, Nancy Wood, of China, and Vicki Tourtelotte, of Jackman; along with the Spaulding side of the family whom he loved and spent a lot of time with, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

OMER R. DUGUAY

VASSALBORO – Omer “Babe” R. Duguay, 83, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born in Winslow on August 12, 1936, to John and Anne (Joseph) Duguay.

He attended Winslow schools, then worked at Morneau’s Lumber Yard, in East Vassalboro.

He married the former Norma Schofield, from Rockland, in the fall of 1972. They lived in Rockland and owned a grocery store and a Chinese Restaurant. After Norma’s death, Babe moved back to Winslow to be near his family. He then met Virginia Spaulding, who was his partner for 12 years. She took very good care of him during his illness.

Babe enjoyed attending Mass every Sunday at the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, in Waterville, with his brothers. After Mass, they would go for coffee to spend quality time together. He was a fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed family gatherings and had a great sense of humor. He loved telling stories about his younger days. He had a creative mind and stayed busy with personal projects.

Babe is survived by Virginia Spaulding, of Vassalboro; siblings, Al “Toni” Duguay, of Fairfield, John (Nancy) Duguay, of Skowhegan, Theresa Plante, of Waterville, Joe Duguay, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Larry (Faylene) Duguay, of Winslow, Lorraine (Don) Reny ,of Winslow; sister-in-law, Cecile Gagnon, of Waterville; cousins, Anita LaForest, Linda Vashon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father; mother; wife, Norma; three brothers, Donald, Omar, Edmond; and three sisters, Evelyn, Jeanne, and Van.

Per his request, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, November 9, 2019, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, followed by interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Omer’s memory to Blessed Sacrament, 100 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

DENNIS R. WESTON

NORTH VASSALBORO – Dennis R. Weston, 67, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2019,at his home, in North Vassalboro. He was born February 12, 1952, in Waterville, the son of Hermon and Darolyn Weston.

He graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1972 and attended Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield. On April 24, 1992, he married the former Rhonda Roux, in Waterville. Dennis was employed for many years at Mid-State Machine, in Winslow. He enjoyed music, wood working, and gardening.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Rhonda (Roux) Weston, of North Vassalboro; two sons, Joseph and girlfriend Samantha Mason, of Vassalboro, Ryan Pleau and partner, Tiana Ireland, of Vassalboro; mother, Darolyn Weston, of Benton; three sisters, Patricia Withee, of Benton, Karen Wright and husband Chester, of Belgrade, Lori McIntosh and husband Tim, of Belgrade; five brothers, Robert Lancaster and wife Julie, of Clinton, Craig Lancaster and wife Pam, of Oakland, Dana Weston and wife Theresa, of Waterville, Kevin Weston and wife Debra, of Belgrade, Malcolm Weston and wife Sarah, of Oakland; father-in-law, Robert Roux, of Vassalboro; sister-in-law, Robin Regan, of Lisbon; brother-in-law, Randall Roux and wife Irene, of Famingdale; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in his memory to a charity of choice.

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

DAVID R. COUTURIER

FAIRFIELD — David R “Cahtoot” Couturier, 67, passed peacefully in his Lazy Boy recliner on Saturday, October 19, 2019.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1970.

David spent 43 years working at the Kennebec Water District and was a core member of the Spencer Bay Fishing Gang.

He is survived by his father, Leon and his wife Diane Couturier; his wife, Shelley (Joseph) Couturier; his three children, Scott and his wife Leslie Couturier, Bill Maheu, and Darcy and her husband Stephen Corcoran; his grandchildren, Josh, Jordan, Katie, Willy, Mitchell, Brady, Thomas, and Nicolas; his great-grandchild, Madeline; his brothers, Lee and Danny Couturier, his sisters, Diane Drapeau and Danielle Hajj; and several nieces and nephews.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Travis Mills Foundation, 1002 Watson Pond Rd., Rome, ME 04963.

THOMAS F. BIRMINGHAM

WINDSOR — Thomas F. Birmingham, 67, died peacefully at home on Friday, October 25, 2019. He was born in Belfast on February 1, 1952, the son of Leo V. and Alma F. (Colby) Birmingham.

Thomas was a 1970 graduate of Belfast High School and a 1974 graduate of the University of Southern Maine. He pursued graduate studies at American University, in Washington, DC.

A passionate educator, Thomas taught at Brunswick Junior High School before working as an education consultant for the state of Maine Department of Education, recognized with a National Outstanding Young Educator award. He moved on to be the director of Midcoast School of Technology and United Technologies Center. He taught courses as an itinerant professor at the University of Southern Maine for 30 years. He retired from the state of Maine in 2014, spending 10 years with the Secretary of State’s Office as a staff development specialist.

As an EMT, Thomas spent many years in service to Windsor Volunteer Ambulance and Fire Department and assisted with the training of firefighters statewide with the Maine State Fire Academy.

He was elected selectman for the town of Windsor and was a member and former chairman of RSU #12 School Board. He loved volunteering as bus monitor for RSU #12, known endearingly as “Mr. Thom” on the Pre-K bus runs.

Thomas was a communicant of Saint Michael’s Parish, former member and Past Grand Knight of the Father John M. Anderson Council Knights of Columbus of St. Andrew’s Church, a member of Canabas Council #1299 Knights of Columbus, of Gardiner; and a 4th Degree member of Major Sayward N. Hall Assembly # 340 Knights of Columbus, of Rockland.

Thomas enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, and anytime “upta” camp with the Birminghams. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with family and being outdoors. He will be remembered for his hearty laughter, adventurous spirit, good nature, and eagerness to always lend a helping hand, an encouraging word, or a listening ear. He is loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Thomas was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Alma Birmingham, and dear sister, Anne Elizabeth Birmingham.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Angela (Piselli) Birmingham, of Windsor; a son Joshua Birmingham and his wife Maria, of Farmington; a daughter Erin Birmingham and her husband Sean Vaillancourt, of Phippsburg; two step-daughters Heather Hopkins, of Augusta, and Michele Dunn and her husband Matthew, of Lisbon Falls; his older brother Wilbur Birmingham and his wife Sylvia, of Rockland; his younger brother John Birmingham and his wife Pagan, of Old Town; grandchildren Abby and Reed Hopkins, Charlotte and Amelia Dunn and Kellan and Keane Birmingham; his mother-in-law Constance Piselli, of Augusta; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 41 Western Ave., Augusta. Burial will be held at a later date.

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

Memorial donations are preferred to St. Michael School, 56 Sewall St., Augusta, M#E 04330, or Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, c/o MaineGeneral Health, Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-9828, or Windsor Volunteer Fire & Rescue, PO Box 181, Windsor, ME 04363.

PATRICIA FECTEAU

WATERVILLE — Patricia Fecteau, 75, of Waterville passed unexpectedly on Friday, October 25, 2019, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, from complications of previous illnesses. Patricia was born in Augusta on March 15, 1944, the daughter of Jack and Mary Louise (Bouget) Porter.

Patricia attended and graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta. Patricia married Carlton Fecteau and they made their home in Waterville. She attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, in Waterville .

She was self employed as a housekeeper for multiple local families and businesses for nearly 40 years. Patricia was the President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Waterville Elks Club. She loved to clean, shop, dance, dine out and take rides to the coast. She was a people person who truly enjoyed socializing with family and friends. She was the center of her family.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Mary Louise (Bouget) Porter; and her husband, Carlton W. Fecteau, married 40 years.

Patricia is survived by her son, Ross Chabot and wife Julie, of Winslow. Two daughters, Tara Fecteau and her life partner Harold Ringuette, of Vassalboro, and Arlene Johns and husband Travis, of Waterville, as well as granddaughter Cierra; Cousins Jeannie Fritz, Ollie Bouget, Cecile Bouget and several others.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

GEORGE J. RODRIGUE

WATERVILLE – George J. Rodrigue, 74, passed away Friday, October 25, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born March 28, 1945, in Waterville, the son of Charles E. and Marie Dora (Vigue) Rodrigue.

He was a lineman for AT&T and managed a boarding home in North Carolina.

George is survived by his long-time companion, Bonnie Frappier, of Sidney; niece, Jo Roderick, of Waterville, nephew, Charles Roderick, of Norridgewock.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Marie Dora Rodrigue; brother, Everett C. Roderick.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in George’s memory to St. John Catholic School, 15 South Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901.

TIMOTHY JOLICOEUR

WATERVILLE – Timothy “Tim” Jolicoeur, 78, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2019. Tim was born in Waterville on April 10, 1941, to the late Alphonse and Dorothy (Dion) Jolicoeur.

He attended the Waterville schools.

At a young age Tim opened his first auto shop doing everything from auto body work to auto sales. Tim’s true passion was antique cars. He was an antique car enthusiast! Tim enjoyed working on the cars from start to finish. Once he was done one car, he would immediately be on the lookout for his next project! His love and passion for antique cars led him to opening an antique car show room and restoration shop right in central Maine. Tim was also one of the founders and president of the S.M.F. Auto Club.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carmaline; his parents; and brothers, Stanley “Ace” and James.

Tim is survived by his sisters, Ruth Anne Jolicoeur, of Thomaston, and Janice Holbrook, of Machias; his sons, Darrick Jolicoeur and his wife Gail, of Etna, Dennis Spaulding and his wife Rose, of Vassalboro, David Spaulding, of Oakland, and Daniel Spaulding and his wife Joyce, of Winslow, his daughter, Debbie Campbell, of Salem Township; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at Dennis and Rose’s home at 244 Main St., Vassalboro. Antique cars are extremely welcomed!

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

JOSEPH G. LAPOINTE

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joseph Gerard Herman Lapointe, 89, died peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2019. Born in Winslow, on August 28, 1930, he was a son of the late Albert and Marie-Anna (Jacques) Lapointe.

At the age of 17 he joined the greatest generation and proudly served 26 years in the United States Air Force. Joe served his country during the Occupation of Japan, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

He was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather who will be missed by his wife, Faye L. Lapointe; children, Ann Lapointe Thon (Joe), Kathryn Lapointe King (Jim), Greg A. Lapointe (Celeste), Josy Lapointe Johnson (Jeff); stepchildren, Jill Waugh, Jonathon Alsop (Sheleagh); 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three sisters.

He was predeceased by his oldest son, Norman G. Lapointe; and his brother, Donald Lapointe.

There will be a private family burial with full military honors at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers please give to the charity of your choice

VINCENT E. TSCHAMLER

CHELSEA — Vincent “Vinnie” Emery Tschamler, 79, died Monday, October 28, 2019. He was born in Augusta, May 21, 1940, the son of Adelaide Doyle and Joseph Tschamler (Arda and Gramp).

Vinnie graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1959. He played three sports and was a star basketball player. He enjoyed boating, going to sporting events and spending time with his family and friends, his caretaker, Polly and his dog, Jake. Vinnie served in the Peace Corp from 1961-1963 and the U.S. Army from 1965-1967.

Vinnie worked at Fort Western Tire Company, in Augusta, in the early 1970s then spent much of his career at Digital Corporation, in Augusta. After retiring, he enjoyed volunteering at Togus VA, the soup kitchen and was an active member of St. Marks Church and Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal, in Augusta.

Vinnie was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Mary Jo Stafford.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Tschamler; his brother, Joseph “Pete” and wife, Allene Tschamler; his son, Taff and his wife, Wendy Bradley Tschamler; his daughters Christine and husband Joel Cummings, Debbie Patterson and Hans Peaslee, and Tabitha and husband Greg Hanna; his grandchildren, Justin, Megan, Vivian, Wyatt, Ainslie, Noah, Brody; his great-grandchildren, Xylin and Jaycee; his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church in Vinnie’s name.