Alfred Joseph Mercier

Alfred (Al) Joseph Mercier passed away on July 23, 2026 at the age of 89. Al was able to spend time with his children and his grandchildren prior to his passing. Born in Biddeford, ME on February 1, 1937 to Isadore and Rose Anna (Martineau), Al was the fourth of five children. He graduated in 1956 from St. Louis High School in Biddeford. It was during high school where he met the love of his life, Lorraine Sabourin, at a school dance. They were married in 1958 and began their life in Biddeford. They soon welcomed their three children Roland, Suzanne and Richard. In 1965, Al and Lorraine bought their first home in Portland. Al was a lover of baseball and coached his boys in Little League 8 and became President of the league. He was a huge Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and golf fan. He enjoyed going to Fenway Park with his family and in later years with Roland.

Al was a lifelong upholsterer, starting by working for his father. He later worked for Glenwood Furniture in Portland. His wife worked alongside him as a seamstress. For many years, Al taught Adult Ed upholstery classes at night. In 1980, he and Lorraine began their successful business working from their home on Candlewyck Terrace. Al was an early adopter of technology, having

a bag phone the size of suitcase in his delivery van and an IBM PC. Each of their children worked for them at some point during those years. Richard took over the business in 2002, and Al and Lorraine then began working for him.

Al was an intelligent, even-keeled, patient man who loved to spend time with family and go out to eat with Lorraine. He loved a good dessert, especially one loaded with whipped cream. Al and Lorraine spent many years playing cards with Suzanne and Tom on Friday nights. Lovingly known as Pepere by his grandchildren, he rarely missed one of their events, spending many hours at the hockey rink, soccer field, softball field and at dance recitals. He was always happy holding a baby and having the family over for gatherings by their pool. He and Lorraine were also world travelers, having visited 6 continents and over 80 countries.

Al lovingly cared for Lorraine during these last few years as her dementia and need for support became more apparent.

Al was loved and will be extremely missed by his wife Lorraine of 68 years, his son Roland (Karlie Taylor) of Naples Fl, daughter Suzanne (Thomas) Knight of Gorham, and son Richard (Susan) of Portland. His six grandchildren, Greg (Danielle) Knight of Gorham, Erica (Alex Deely) Mercier of Gorham, Elise (Will Flores) Mercier of Alexandria, VA, Jason (Justine) Knight of Raleigh, NC, Garrett (Kayleigh) Mercier of Portland, and Sara (Scott) Wilson of Lyle, WA, his eight great-grandchildren; and his sister Rita (Raymond) LaFlamme.

Al is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Raymond and Leo, and his sister Jeanette Ewing.

The family would like to thank the amazing nurses and CNAs at MMC Bean5 for the care and compassion for not just Al, but also the rest of the family.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, November 14th, at Bruno’s Restaurant on Allen Ave, Portland, ME at noon. A private graveside service will be held with the family on another date.