BRADLEY – Alban B. Lavoie, 84, husband of Annette R. Lavoie, died Aug. 6, 2007, at his home, with his loving family at his side. Alban was born Aug. 21, 1922, in St. Andrew’s, New Brunswick, the son of Niezer and Anne (Michaud) Lavoie. Alban was very proud of his French Canadian heritage. He returned often to his hometown of Grand Falls, New Brun-swick, to visit relatives. Alban’s family moved to Bradley, where he worked with his father at a very early age in the Maine woods to help support the family. He joined the U.S. Army, which he served proudly during World War II. He served as a rifleman during the invasion of Normandy. During his tour of duty, he was awarded two Purple Hearts for the injuries he received during the invasion. He received many other awards, including five battle stars and the Bronze Star. Alban and Annette were honored by the Bangor Daily News with a front-page story Memorial Day 1997, about their military service and devotion to family. Alban received special recognition in Washington, D.C., during a visit to the World War II memorial in 2004, with his son, James. He spoke of the emotional impact this had on his life. After the war, Alban returned to Bradley and worked in various jobs, including the shoe shops in Old Town. He met his wife, Annette and together they raised seven children at the family homestead in Bradley. Over the years, Alban became known as a master craftsman of home building and repairs in the Old Town area. He worked for many years with his uncle, Dennis Michaud. Alban shared his skills with his sons and was admired by all who worked with him. The special projects and crafts that he built for his children will always be cherished. He will be greatly mis-sed. Alban was proud to be a life member of the VFW, Am-erican Legion and Knights of Columbus No. 2537, Old Town. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Alban was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Bradley. Alban is survived by his loving wife of 59 years; his seven children, Ronald and his wife, Marge, of Greenbush, Ma-rie and her husband, Robert Martin, of Bradley, Pamela and her husband, Paul McManus, of Eddington, Susan and her husband, Gerry Tuholski, of Holden, Pattie and her husband, Gary Sirois, of Old Town, Janet Lavoie of Bradley and James and his wife, Joanne, of Old Town; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his loving sisters, Maryanne Thibodeau and Edwina Thibeault, both of Old Town, Theresa DeGrasse; a special brother, Lucien Lavoie, both of Bradley, several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Simon Perro; and a brother, Rudolph Lavoie. Relatives and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 8, at Brookings- Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where the Old Town Knights of Columbus No. 2537 will conduct a 6:30 p.m. prayer service. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Bradley, with the Rev. Thomas Farley and the Rev. Paul LaBree concelebrating and deacon Frederick Harrigan participating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments after the service at the parish hall. Burial will take place at a later date at Lawndale Cemetery, Old Town. The family thanks Dr. Openshaw and CancerCare of Maine, Dr. Christopher Ritter and the staff at Old Town Family Practice and New Hope Hospice for their special care of Alban during his illness. Gifts in Alban’s memory may be made to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429 or Old Town Knights of Colum-bus, P.O. Box 458, Old Town, ME 04468. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
ALBAN B. LAVOIE
