1926 – 2015
AUBURN — Andre V. Ouellette, 88, of Franklin Road, Jay, died Wednesday, June 24, at the Hospice House in Auburn.
He was born in Chisholm, on Dec. 2, 1926, a son of John B. and Claudia “Laura” (Groleau) Ouellette. He attended St. Rose School and Jay High School.
He left high school at age 17 to join the U.S. Merchant Marines and served on ships supporting combat operations in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Pacific. He participated in the dangerous “Murmansk Run” and the invasion of Naha Beach on Okinawa.
Following the war, he returned to Chisholm, completed high school and worked at the Otis Mill in the power plant. During this period, he met his future wife, Dorine G. Holmes, at the Island Park Resort in Manchester.
He was among the initial Korean War draftees. As a U.S. Army combat engineer, he was a squad leader assigned to the 19th Engineer Group and participated in the initial landing on the Pusan Peninsula. His primary duties were minefield deployment and bridge construction and demolition.
Andre married Dorine G. Holmes on Sept. 13, 1952, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Waterville. They moved to Jay and he continued his employment with International Paper Co.
He was active in veterans’ organizations, and was a life member and past commander of VFW Post No. 3335 in Jay and lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans. He was a recipient of the AMVETS National Commander Distinguished Service Award. For over 25 years, Andre marshaled the lineup of participants in Jay’s annual Memorial Day parade.
He retired from International Paper as a power plant operator in 1988 after 42 years of employment.
Andre was simply a good man. He had good humor and a kind, gentle nature. He easily formed lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life. Friends and family could always count on him for an understanding ear, sound advice and a bright perspective on life. He had a strong dedication to volunteerism in his community.
He is predeceased by six brothers, Robert, Edward, Victor, Norman, Raymond Ouellette and the Rev. Leo Ouellette SM; and two sisters, Sister Mary Leo (Cecelia) Ouellette SMSM, MD, and Theresa McCarthy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorine; three sons, Dean J. Ouellette and wife, Lynn, of Jay, Stephen C. Ouellette of Livermore Falls, and William L. Ouellette and wife, Cheryl, of Topsham; a daughter, Karen A. Nawfel and husband, Mike, of Waterville; six grandchildren, Andre, Rebecca, Renee, Jeffrey, Lauren and Jena; a great-granddaughter, Coraline; two brothers, Lawrence Ouellette of Clinton, Conn., and Maurice Ouellette and wife, Ann, of Auburn; and a sister, Sister Mary Leona (Florence) Ouellette SMSM of Framingham, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.ctcrawford.com.
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