SABATTUS — Raoul A. “Red” Laberge, 91, passed away peacefully in his home in Sabattus, Saturday, March 31, with his wife, Connie, and his little dog, Bear, by his side.
He was born in Lewiston 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 High School in Lewiston.
At the age of 18 he was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight for his country in World War II. He completed his basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., and then served the next 15 months in Japan. He was honorably discharged in November 1946.
After his tour of duty and returning to his hometown in Lewiston, he became a first-class sheet metal machinist. He was employed by Bath Iron Works, Hahnel Bros Co., Frank Jordan Sheet Metal and Lebel’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 a.m. 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; stepchildren, 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 caregivers, 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.
Raoul A. “Red” Laberge
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