George R. Cloutier

George R. Cloutier, 83 of Lewiston went to be with the Lord on May 28, 2008 at the St.Mary's Medical Center in Lewiston of colon cancer with his family by his side. He was born in Lewiston on March 21, 1925 a son of the late Alfred and Nora Cloutier.He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945 serving under General George S. Patten, Jr. in the European, Eastern and African Theater of Operations, including the landing at Anzio Beachhead. He also participated in the invasion of France leading up to D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, receiving a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat and spent time as a captive POW. Following the war, he worked for the Maine Central Railroad and then became a self employed painting contractor until retirement. Following retirement and his return to Maine, he worked as a custodian for St.Mary's Church. In 1946 he married Rita Charest and raised 5 children at their home on Taylor Pond in Auburn. In 1985 he and his wife retired to Florida where together they spent long hours gardening and enjoying retirement together. In 1995 he lost his wife to a stroke. In 1998 he remarried to Jeannine Breton. Together they became loved by relatives and strangers alike. He was always willing to help when people were in need and gave respectfully of himself, never seeking for recognition or thanks. To all his children, Dad gave wisdom and love. To his grandchildren, Pepere gave them lots of love and security. To his great grandchildren, Pepe gave them that infectious smile they will carry with the.m in his legacy. He is survived by his second wife of 10 years Jeannine Breton Cloutier, a daughter Joan and husband Dave Stops of Edgewater, Fl. sons Bertrand Cloutier and his wife Evangeline of Sabattus, Don and Pauline Cloutier of Monmouth, Daniel and Wanda Cloutier of Edgewater, Fl., and Mike and Pauline Cloutier of,Edgewater,FL., four Step sons Bert Breton and wife Gloria of Turner, Don Breton of Mechanic Falls, Mark Breton and wife Joyce of Auburn,Rick Breton of Auburn. He is also survived by 18 grand children and 22 great grand children. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife of 49 years Rita Charest Cloutier, his brothers Robert and Maurice Cloutier and stepson Denis Breton. The family would like to give special thanks to the ICU and C2 staff of St. Mary's Medical Center for their compassion and dignity to the person they knew as "George".