1923 – 2003

LEWISTON – Raymond L. Berube, 79, of 74 Rosedale St., Lewiston, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, following a long illness.

Born in Lewiston on Dec. 12, 1923, he was the son of Louis and Malvina Gaudette Berube. Educated in local schools, he served his country first in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and then in the Army during World War II.

After the war he returned to the local area, and on Aug. 25, 1945, he married the former Rita N. Therriault in St. Mary’s Church.

A man of many talents, he was employed for a time at the Bates Mill, where he served as shop steward and later as treasurer for his union local, worked at both Lever’s and Pleasant dairies, owned and operated Ross Variety on Lisbon Street for 15 years, and for many years was employed as the manager of the Lewiston Mall.

He enjoyed his time at the mall, especially the many holiday seasons he spent as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. A former member of the American Legion, Post 22, he was also a member of the Eagles, and flew small planes for 10 years.

A member of Holy Cross Parish, he is survived by his wife of Lewiston; two sons, Raymond and fiancée Gina Sperdakos of Lewiston, and Ronald and fiancée Maria Matson of Lewiston; four daughters, Jacqueline Lemieux and fiancé Larry Bilodeau of Lewiston, Patricia Shoemaker and husband Charles of Kansas City, Mo., Sandra McQuaid and husband William of Summerville, S.C., and Joyce McQuaid and significant other, Andy Crompton of Logan, Ohio; a sister, Sedonia Pomerleau of Lisbon; eight grandchildren, Jim Lemieux, John Lemieux, Sherry Bruening, William McQuaid Jr., Heidi McQuaid, Jackie McQuaid Jr., Craig Berube, and Michael Bolduc; and six great-grandchildren.