1918 – 2003

LEWISTON – Roland L. Marcotte, 85, former Mayor of Lewiston, successful business man, civic leader and devoted family man, died Friday morning, Aug. 22, at Montello Manor.

He was born on March 25, 1918, in Lewiston, the second oldest of five children of Jean B. and Regina Deshaies Marcotte. He attended St. Peter’s School and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1936 where he was an avid sportsman competing in football. He also played hockey for the Lewiston Cyclones serving as its Captain in 1937.

On June 20, 1942, Mr. Marcotte married Eileen Frances Hopkins. He served in World War II from Jan. 17, 1940 until Oct. 20, 1945, first in the Coast Artillery Medical Corp and the last three years in the U.S. Air Force as a First Lieutenant and Single Engine Pilot.

On Aug. 27, 1945 he was decorated with La Medaille de Leronautique and French Pilot Wings by the Provisional Government of France in honor of his contributions in training pilots to assist in France’s wartime efforts.

Mr. Marcotte’s dedication to public service began with election to the Lewiston City Council in 1949 and 1950.

He served as a member of the Lewiston Parking Authority, a representative to the Androscoggin Regional Planning Commission, and the Governor’s appointee to the New England Textile Committee in 1953-54.

Elected Mayor of the City of Lewiston three times, in 1952, 1953 and 1964, he was instrumental in creating a full-time Industrial Development Office for Lewiston and encouraged the development of the Franklin Pasture, in later years known as Marcotte Park.

As Mayor, he promoted and passionately advocated for initiatives that included unification of the Twin Cities, the hiring of a City Manager, and the building of a circumferential highway for Lewiston-Auburn.

Professionally, Mr. Marcotte was accomplished in the automobile business for over 30 years ultimately ending his career as President and Treasurer of Marcotte Chevrolet, Inc., in Auburn where he built an innovative sales and service dealership on outer Center Street in 1967 – pioneering the retail expansion of the area.

In 1964, faced with the collapse of Lewiston’s textile industry, Mayor Marcotte – with the support of a four-citizen committee – negotiated the purchase of the Bates Mill to preserve the property for local community development that flourishes today.

Under Mayor Marcotte, many large city infrastructural projects were begun, including water and sewer system restorations and expansions and road resurfacing, that well serve the residents of Lewiston to this day.

After his last term as Mayor, Mr. Marcotte served as Finance Chairman for the Third Bridge Committee which resulted in the construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge; President of LIFT – Lewiston Improving For Tomorrow; a member of the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce and served as Vice-President of its Mercantile Division; and as a Director of United Way.

Highly respected for his business acumen, Mr. Marcotte served as Trustee, Vice-President and President of Central Maine Medical Center and later as a Director of Central Maine Health Care Corporation for a total of 22 years.

He served as a Director on the Board of Central Maine Power for five years and was Chairman of the Building Committee for St. Philip’s Church in Auburn where he later served as President of the Church Council. Mr. Marcotte was a member of the Lewiston Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club, American Legion, Musical Literary Club, Martindale Country Club, and the Auburn-Lewiston Kiwanis Club serving as President in 1966-67.

He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. The Marcotte Family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the administrators, nurses, and staff at Montello Manor for their understanding, selfless, and compassionate care of Mr. Marcotte during his recent illness.

Mr. Marcotte is survived by Eileen Hopkins Marcotte, his life-long love and wife of 61 years; his daughter, Mary Marcotte Corrigan and her husband Richard of Arlington, Va.; and his son, Dr. Brian M. Marcotte of Providence, R.I.

He was predeceased by his eldest son, Roland L. Marcotte Jr.

He was a devoted communicant at St. Joseph’s Parish where services will be held.