Roxbury, ME - Ernest Gerard Boudreau (Ernie, Ness), 86, of Roxbury Maine, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023, surrounded by the watchful caring eyes of his loving and devoted wife and children.
He was born in Rumford, Maine, February 4, 1937, the son of Alphonse and Josephine (Bernard) Boudreau. He graduated from Rumford High School in 1955, and then after serving in the U.S. Army, started employment with the Rumford paper mill, where he worked as an electrician until he retired.
In 1971, he married the love of his life, Jean (Breau) and they proudly raised their three children in “Frye” (Roxbury).
An avid competitive athlete, Ness always had a love for sports, from playing at the “stute” for the St John’s team, to playing football, basketball and baseball for the Rumford High School Panthers, to coaching, spending many years golfing, cross-country skiing, hiking, bowling, kayaking, playing billiards, pickle ball and tennis, and then competing in the National Golden Age Games starting when he was 80 years old. Ness remained very active until the most recent years of his life. He was also a die-hard Red Sox & Patriot’s fan.
His love for family, however, was even stronger. He always loved an opportunity for the family to get together. His devotion to his family was a guiding light, transforming simple gatherings into cherished memories. Whether it was the warmth of his smile during festive celebrations or the quiet strength he provided in everyday moments, Ness leaves behind a legacy of boundless love that will continue to resonate within our hearts, and those fortunate enough to have known him.
Ness is survived by his wife Jean of 52 years, daughters Debbie Brown and husband Doug of Roxbury, and Donna Boudreau of South Portland, and son “t-boy” Dean Boudreau and wife Kristal of Gorham, along with 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, his brother Alphonse (Jun) Boudreau of Connecticut, sister Ann McCluskey and husband Peter of Hartford, and extended family of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
He was pre-deceased by brothers Ernest Joseph, Clarence (Quinn), Elmer (Babe), sister Beatrice (Bea) Clark, and his parents.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at the Parish of the Holy Savior, St. Athanasius St. John Catholic Church, 126 Maine Ave., Rumford, on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the St. John’s Cemetery in Rumford in the Spring.
The family would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to Dr. Deluca for the care he has shown Ness all these years, as well as the warm-hearted and empathetic caregivers with Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice these last few weeks.
Please, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Rumford Community Center (GRCC) for youth sports programs, or Operation Reboot Outdoors for disabled Veterans.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17