1928 – 2003

LEWISTON — Paul E. Beland Sr., 74, of 540 College St., Lewiston died Wednesday morning, April 2, at Montello Manor following a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston on April 23, 1928, the son of Joseph and Ernestine (Poirier) Beland and had been a resident of this community all of his life.

He was employed as a rigging engineer by Pete Bolduc Moving and Rigging Co. until his retirement. He was a member of Holy Family Church.

He was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Pastime Club. He was an avid sports fan, especially being involved in local sport activities with his sons. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Boston Bruins.

As a young man he fought professionally as a boxer at both the Boston Gardens and Madison Square Gardens in New York. During his boxing career he had been trained by Paul Labbe Jr. He was known in the boxing world as Paul Martin.

He was married to the former Arlene Gorneault in 1962 and who died in 1989.

He is survived by two sons, Paul E. Beland Jr. and Daniel Beland both of Lewiston; two daughters, Miss Susan Beland of Auburn and Mrs. John (Michelle) St.Pierre of Sarasota, Fla.; one brother, Marcel Beland and his wife Claudette, one sister, Mrs. Julian (Marie) Robitaille both of California; one grandson, Devon Beland of Lewiston; several nieces and nephews; he also leaves his extended family at Montello Manor Nursing Home.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Cecile Beland and Sister Gabrielle Beland; one brother, Laurier Beland.