EDWARD V. CHENEVERT JR. ORIENT – Edward V. Chenevert Jr., 80, of Orient, died Oct. 9, 2003, while visiting his son Paul in Brunswick. He was born Jan. 24, 1923, in Waterville, the son of Edward and Mildred Chenevert, “Eddie” graduated from Portland High School, where he first met his future wife, Barbara. Joining the U.S. Army in 1943, Eddie served in the European Theater with the 3rd Armored Division, spearheading the Allied drive through Normandy, France, and northern Germany. Discharged from active duty in November of 1945, he enrolled in Boston University and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Wilson Littlefield, on May 18, 1946. After receiving a bachelor of arts degree from Boston University, he went on to Columbia University and received his masters degree in library science. After a short stint at the Detroit, Michigan Public Library, he was called back into active duty with the Army and was shipped out to Korea in October of 1951 as a member of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Leading an attack near Chorwon, Korea, on the night of Nov. 10, 1951, then 1st Lt. Chenevert was severely wounded. For his intrepid leadership in this action he was awarded the Silver Star, our nation’s third highest award for gallantry. He also received the Purple Heart medal. After a lengthy rehabilitation, Eddie returned to Maine in the spring of 1953. For the next 17 years he was the successful owner of Chenevert Realty in South Portland. His library experience was called upon once again when he was asked to consult in the building of the South Portland Public Library. In 1970, he was selected to be the first executive director of the new Portland Public Library, a position he held until his retirement in 1986. During these years he was president of the New England Library Association and an active member of the South Portland Lions Club and Torch Club. After his retirement, he and his wife, Barbara, enjoyed life on East Grand Lake in Aroostook County and visiting their daughters, Susan in Hawaii, and Cathy in Florida, and their son, Paul, in Brunswick. Eddie was a devoted husband, exceptional father and loving grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; his son, Paul Chenevert of Brunswick, his wife, Stacey, and their children, Nathan, Elizabeth and Nicholas; his daughter, Susan McMann of Houlton, her husband, Maj. Bernard McMann (USMC ret.) and their son, Brian; his daughter, Cathy Harriman of Orange Park, Fla., her husband, Frank, and their son, Frankie. A celebration of his life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2003, at the Houlton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Pat McHugh and dear friend Harold Dickinson presiding. Interment, with military honors, will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the new Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Caribou. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eddie’s memory may be made to The Houlton United Methodist Church, 28 School St., Houlton, ME 04730 or the Cary Library, 107 Main St., Houlton, ME 04730. Arrangements are by Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick, ME 04011. Memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
EDWARD V. CHENEVERT JR.
