HAMPDEN – Aurele “Pete” Veilleux, 88, passed away peacefully, Dec. 14, 2006, with his family by his side at the Maine Veterans’ Homes, Bangor, He was the husband of Eleanor (Brown) Veilleux for 62 years. Pete was born Nov. 16, 1918, in Waterville, the son of Peter and Rose (Plante) Veilleux. During the ’30s and ’40s he was an instructor of welding and later, the owner of Central Welding Co., East Hampden. He will be remembered for his fine and dedicated welding work. As a World War II veteran, Pete was in the 8th Air Force, Army Air Corps, stationed in England. He served as a nose gunner on a B-24 bomber with 30 bombing missions. Pete received two Bronze Stars, one with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Distinguished Flying Cross, for his courageous service to our country. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Hampden; the Whitcomb-Baker VFW Post No. 4633, Hampden; the D.A.V.; the 453rd Air Force Bomb Group and the Penobscot Conservation Association. Pete enjoyed his work, spending time with his family, reading, watching TV, picking berries, cutting wood, fishing at Moosehead Lake, and would challenge anyone at any time to a game of cribbage. He also loved his Red Sox. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; two daughters, Sue Cyr and her husband, Joe, of Old Town and Bonnie Frend and her husband, Peter, of Cumberland Foreside; and his son, Jim Veilleux and his wife, Barbara, of Bangor. Also surviving him are his nine grandchildren, Mike and Chris Cyr, Julie Gibowicz, Becky Mattsen, Casey Veilleux and Peter, Pat, Andy and Tim Frend, along with five great-grandchildren. Pete was the oldest of 12 children and is survived by five sisters, Jeannie King of Fair-field, Lorraine Zelenkewich of Bristol, Conn., Jacqueline Smith and Lucille Zelenkewich of Eustis, Fla., and Bertha Bolduc of Travares, Fla.; one brother, Joseph, of Canada, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and five brothers, Richard, Nelson, Donald, Fernald and Robert. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Homes,Bangor, for their wonderful care. At Pete’s request, a private family service will be held. Interment with military honors will be held at Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden, in the springtime at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Manna Kitchens, Inc., 629 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements entrusted to the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hamp-den. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com
AURELE ‘PETE’ VEILLEUX
