AUGUSTA – Alex J. Potvin, formerly of Waterville, passed away Jan. 6, 2010, surrounded by his family at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Augusta. He was just a few hours short of his 97th birthday. Alex was born Jan. 7, 1913, in New Canada Plantation, the son of Bruno and Elise (Saucier) Potvin. His education ended at age 12 because he was needed to work on his father’s potato farm. He worked with his father until he was drafted into the service, March 12, 1941. He served in Normandy, France and the Philippines until Dec. 10, 1945. On Oct. 31, 1950, he married Rita Nadeau in Clair, New Brunswick. Together they raised six children on their farm in Searsmont. Alex was predeceased by 12 brothers and sisters, Josephel, Egline, Ernest, August, Livite, Palmere, Zenon, Maria, George, Joseph and two infant sisters; and a cousin who was like a brother to him, Edmund Potvin. Alex is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita of Newcastle; sons, Paul and his wife, Judy, of Augusta, Philip and wife, Cindy, of Searsmont, Michael and wife, Joan, of Winchendon, Mass., David and wife, Teresa, of Belmont, and Richard and wife, Pamela, of Hemet, Calif.; one daughter, Rina and husband, Richard Ripley, of Newcastle; and one sister, Jeanette Valade of Waterville. He had 13 grandchildren, Andrew and wife, Anca, Angela Potvin, Justin and partner, Patty Cruz, Brad and wife, Kim Peters, Corey and partner, Sheanna Peters, Amy and husband, Chris Patterson, Jonathan and Matthew Potvin, Michael and his wife, Monica Potvin, Devon and wife, Courtney, Jamie and wife, Heather Potvin, and Sarah and Jared Potvin. He also leaves six great-grandchildren. The family thanks the caring angels at the Maine Veterans’ Home that cared so warmly for their father. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville. Burial will take place at a later date at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery.
ALEX J. POTVIN
