AUBURN – Joseph P. Thibodeau Jr., 78, of Howe St. in Auburn, died Tuesday morning, July 6, at Clover Manor with his family at his side.

He was born in Hanover, N.H., March 27, 1926, a son of Joseph P. and Frances (Woodin) Thibodeau Sr.

He was a military veteran having served during World War II in the U.S. Navy. On November 22, 1962, he married the former Sylvia Thacher. Mr. Thibodeau was employed for many years at the former U.S. Gypsum Mill in Lisbon Falls until his retirement in 1988.

He was a member of VFW Post 1603 in Auburn, the Auburn Business Association, and the Kennebec River Power Squadron. He was also a member of the organization known as Lightship Nantucket, for which he volunteered in different capacities and also served as a tour guide for many years.

Among his favorite enjoyments were boating and sailing and model trains.

He leaves his wife, Sylvia Thibodeau of Auburn; two daughters, Camilla N. Thibodeau and her life partner Terry B. Suede of Jerico, Vt., and Mary Lou Thibodeau of Auburn; a son, Andrew Thibodeau and his wife Edythe of Lewiston; two grandchildren, Jennifer Benoit, and Louis Benoit of Keene, N.H.; a sister, Judith Willitte of White River Junction, Vt.; three brothers, Thomas Thibodeau and wife Beverly of White River Junction, Vt., Clinton Thibodeau and wife Carol of Vermont, and John Thibodeau and wife Marge of Hartland, Vt.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Robert S. Thibodeau in 1983; a brother, Norman Thibodeau; and two sisters, Charlotte Wyman and Geneva Kimball.

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