Raoul A. "Red" Laberge

He was born in Lewiston, Maine on July 23, 1926 the son of the late Oscar and Aldea (Roy) Laberge. Red attended St. Peter’s grade school and was a member of the first class to attend St. Dominic’s High School in Lewiston.

At the age of 18 he was drafted in the United States Army to fight for his country in WWII. He completed his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and then served the next 15 months in Japan. He was honorably discharged in November of 1946. After his tour of duty and returning to his hometown in Lewiston, he became a 1st class sheet metal machinist. He was employed by Bath Iron Works, Hahnel Bros Co., Frank Jordan Sheet Metal and Label’s Heating and Sheet Metal where he retired in 1993.

Red met Connie (Grenier) Footer in 1978 and on May 14, 1983 they married. Red, Connie and Bear enjoyed a peaceful and quiet life in Sabattus where they loved to garden and spend time with family. Later in life, Red discovered home computers and became very savvy with the internet. It was common for Connie to find him at 3 am researching new garden techniques, staying up to date on the latest politics, watching an old John Wayne movie or listening to Perry Como. He was also very proud of his shed where he spent time on projects for their home.

Red is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Connie; step children Sheila McCormick, Wanda (David) Pierpont, Brenda (Dick) Sawyer, Rodney (Karen) Footer and Gary (Robin) Footer; eight step grandchildren; his sons David and Michael (Monique); daughters Dorothy Kazimer and Therese (Warren) LaBonte; five grandchildren Jennifer, Kristy, Samantha, Laura and Alexandra; six great grandchildren; and four nephews.

He was predeceased by his son Marc; and three brothers Henri, Bertrand and Lucien.

Special thanks to his physician Dr. Michael Stadnicki, his Androscoggin Hospice nurse Lori Pelletier, his health care giver Steve and Paula from Helping Hands. Red has five wonderful neighbors; Dan and Claire Caron, Tim and Tina Ames and Alton Edwards who helped make it possible for Red to stay in his home during his illness.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com .

NOTICE

Laberge- Died in Sabattus on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Mr. Raoul A. “Red” age 91 a resident of Sabattus. Memorial services honoring Red’s life will be celebrated on Friday at 1:00 PM at the Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home. Burial will be private at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Red’s memory to the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice Foundation 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday from 10:00 AM till the time of the service at the Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway, Lewiston 784-4023.