Joseph A. Despres

Lewiston - Joseph A. Despres, 83, formerly of Turner, died Saturday, June 7, at Montello Manor, where he had resided for several years. He was born in Jaffrey, NH on July 19, 1930, a son of Alfred and Bernadette (Ouelett) Despres. Joe, as he was commonly known, worked his way through the University of New Hampshire playing trumpet in a jazz band, graduating with a degree in Agriculture. He married Rita Talon in 1952. In 1956 he started working at Brigeen Farms in Turner as a dairy herdsman, a job he loved, and he retired from there at age 75. His past hobbies include fishing, playing the trumpet, banjo, and guitar. He enjoyed fixing anything from a leaky faucet to a car engine. He was a gentle man who made a quiet impact on others. He loved singing to the nurses at Montello. Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Rita and children: Joseph and his significant other, Jan McDonough, of Portland, Kathleen Gaydar and husband Kevin of Deerfield, IL, Julie, of Auburn, Patricia Prout and husband Si of Lewiston, Peter and wife Carrie, of Turner, Lisa, of South Portland, and Kathleen Morin, former daughter-in-law, of Auburn, who remains a good friend to the family, and grandsons Matthew and Brian Despres of Portland. Joe has 7 siblings: Alfred and his wife Marian of New Hampshire, Charles of Florida, Robert of Vermont, David and his wife Vi of New Hampshire, Elizabeth Twitchell and her husband Terry of Turner, Pamela Parrish of New Hampshire, and Marguerite and Nick Paige of Vermont. Visitation Fortin Auburn Saturday June 14 from 1-2 PM, with Words of Remembrance to follow at 2 PM.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Montello Manor's Activities Department, which will help fund activities and entertainment for residents, 540 College St., Lewiston, ME 04240, or to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice at 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston ME 04240.