1941-2024
Lewiston- Roger Nadeau passed from this life on Thursday May 9th, in Harpswell, while enjoying his morning at the ocean with family after what he considers a fulfilling life. A Lewiston native born and raised on Blake street to Meril Nadeau and Cecile (Poussard) Nadeau, Roger grew up in a home of 5 brothers and all the love in the world. In July 1963, he married his true love, Muriel (Laliberte) Nadeau, and was able to enjoy over 60 years of bliss. Roger loved to travel with his wife and together they enjoyed many adventures, always joined by family and friends. In his later years he particularly enjoyed traveling with his great-grandchildren, visiting many locations near and far. But most of all Roger enjoyed dancing with his true love and spending time with their family.
Roger proudly served his country in the US Army, serving a tour in Vietnam during 1966-68 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. During his time in Vietnam, he looked after the men in his unit like a father, as he was drafted at the age of 25. His wife would often send care packages with food from home that he would share with his unit to boost morale. He also cared for the local Vietnamese where he was stationed, sharing his rations and even organizing a “baby shower drive” via his wife back home to support the widowed mothers who washed the unit's laundry. He often looked back fondly on his time in service and his only complaint was the rations. On Memorial Day weekend 2022, Roger and his brother in-law Normand, were selected to travel to Washington D.C. through Honor Flight Maine, where they received much recognition and healing from their time in the service, and the welcome home they deserved from all those years ago.
Roger lived and worked in Lewiston for much of his life, working in many shoe factories until he settled into Falcon Shoe Manufacturing Company, where he spent his last 30 years working years as a supervisor and HR director, establishing a GED program for all the workers.
Roger loved his community and gave much of his time to different organizations. He was a past councilor of the United Commercial Travelers. Past President of the L/A Optimist Club. Past President of the Central Maine Personnel Managers Association. What he considered his crowning achievement was his involvement with Museum L/A, helping to exhibit the all the local workers in the shoe industry of Lewiston/Auburn with the portraits and voices exhibit. Roger also spent 10 years as a volunteer greeter and valet at CMMC. Roger spent many mornings collecting day old pastries from the stores around town to bring to local soup kitchens and shelters. In the evenings, he would often go and help serve dinner in these same locations, and whenever he could, he would collect and donate items from the neighborhood to help those in need.
Roger was a social butterfly, always heading from one group to the next and back again, always engaged and active in serving the community. Roger belonged to the American Legion post #210 and was a lifetime member of the VFW post #9250. He was also of 40+ year member of the Knights of Columbus, proudly serving his Church and community, as well as serving in the color guard and other activities in service to others.
Roger leaves behind his beloved wife Muriel of 60 years. His daughter Cynthia Rodrigue whom he loved dearly, he also leaves behind her three sons, Tyler, Corey, and McShae. Roger was also blessed to have 6 great grandchildren, whom he enjoyed deeply, supporting them in all their endeavors, always cheering them on, and leading them in a life of service. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom he loved and shared many a meal with. Roger is predeceased by his parents and four brothers, as well as Muriel’s parents and siblings.
Roger lived a life in service to his neighbors and beyond. Always willing to jump in and get his hands dirty in whatever needed doing. His greatest joy was found in service to others, and his presence will be missed in the community.
Please join us in honoring Roger's memory at a visitation on May 15, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home, located at 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, Maine. There will be military honors presented at 5:00PM, followed by the Knights of Columbus.
A funeral mass will follow on May 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus St., Lewiston, Maine, where Roger faithfully worshipped.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Honor Flight Maine” on his behalf, allowing more Veterans to experience the welcome home they deserve.
Honor Flight Maine
PO Box 699
Brunswick, Me 04011-0699
or securely online at
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