1924-2004

LEWISTON – Francois “Paul” Cloutier Jr., 79, a resident of Spring Street, died Sunday morning, Jan. 18, at d’Youville Pavilion following a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston, June 14, 1924, the son of Francois P. and Helene (Bourassa) Cloutier Sr. and was educated in the schools of Lewiston. During World War II, Mr. Cloutier served his country in the U.S. Army in the European theater of operations.

On Nov. 24, 1951, he married the former Lorraine Rainville in Lewiston. She died Oct. 25, 1976. He was employed as an auto mechanic for most of his life having worked for Pontiac Center, later for Eastern Distributors as a fleet mechanic and finally for Louis Chevrolet until his retirement in 1986. In addition to working at local autodealerships, he worked on cars at his home in order that each of his five children could attend Catholic Schools from grade 1 through 12. While working at Pontiac Center of Auburn, he earned the nickname “Precision Paul” because of his attention to detail and his desire to get the job done right the first time.

He was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish and enjoyed gardening and reading. He was very proud of his children and the wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren with which they provided him. They were his pride and joy.

Survivors include: four daughters, Mrs. Robert (Marie) Bernier of Kittery, Mrs. Paul (Suzanne) Blais of Litchfield, Mrs. Thomas (Anita) Simmerson of Gaffney, S.C. and Mrs. Ronald (Annette) Morin Sr. of Sabattus; one son, Michael G. Cloutier and his companion, Pauline Boilard, of Lewiston; three sisters, Mrs. Helene Lapointe of Lewiston, Mrs. Elise Hamel of Lewiston and Mrs. Gerald (Claudette) Martel; two brothers, George Cloutier and his wife, Irene, of Lewiston and Noel Cloutier and his wife, Yuri, of Danbury, Ct.