1924 – 2004

TOGUS – Dominique “Dom” Rosaire Caron, 79, of Union, passed away Monday, Jan. 26, at Togus surrounded by his loving family.

“Dom” was born Oct. 3, 1924, in Lewiston, the last of 16 children, son of Georges and Alice Goulet Caron. He attended Holy Family School and St. Dominic’s High School in Lewiston.

On April 1, 1943, he joined the United States Army and served with the 34th Infantry Division in N. Africa, Sicily and Italy. He participated in the battles of Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, N. Apenniens and the siege of Monte Casino. He was one of two men in his company who survived the crossing of the Rapido River in the battle of Monte Casino; twice wounded, he returned home after the second injury on the Hope Hospital Ship.

Once returning home he worked as a photographer for Loring Studio’s in Lewiston and with the LeMessenger, which was the last French Newspaper in New England.

For the last 29 years he worked as the Composing Room Supervisor for the Kennebec Journal, before retiring in 1989.

In 2001, he and his wife, Sharon, opened Winter Wind Florist in Union. He was a member of the Calumet Club in Augusta, American Legion Post (Rockland), and was a life member of the 34th Infantry Division Association based in Des Moines, Iowa.

He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Thompson Community Center and during his 10 years of service was instrumental in the renovations and development of many new programs. He was a Maine Honor Roll Volunteer recognized, by Governor Angus King, for his outstanding volunteerism.

He was the Cemetery Director for Union. He took special joy in renovating the five cemeteries, which held the remains of Veteran’s, from all of America’s wars including a member of his own unit killed in the Rapido River crossing near Monte Casino.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Sharon Lovejoy Caron of Union; sons, Michael Caron and his wife, Anne Marvin of Lawrence, Kan., David Caron and his wife, Jo-Ann of Calais, Paul Caron and his wife, Barbara of Stockton Springs; daughter, Judy Dell’Olio, and her husband, Lou of Brownville; stepson, Jason Reichert and his wife, Delina of Acton; brothers, Paul Caron of Pompano Beach, Fla., Georges Caron of Boulevard, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews

He was predeceased by his first wife, Jacqueline Dresser Caron (1973); and 13 siblings.

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