AUGUSTA – Joseph D. “Pete” Laverdiere, 72, of Quimby St., died peacefully, Friday, Aug. 27, at MaineGeneral Medical Center following a long and courageous battle with leukemia.

“Pete” was born in Livermore Falls, on May 11, 1932, the son of the late Joseph Henry and Laetitia (LaPointe) Laverdiere.

He began his religious studies in 1946, at St. Joseph’s High School in Bucksport. He continued his studies with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Bar Harbor and Colebrook, N.H., graduating with a BA in Philosophy from Oblate College and Seminary in Natick, Mass., in 1956.

He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Richland, Wash., from 1956-58. He was briefly employed by International Paper in Chisholm, but went on to further his studies in St. Anselm’s College, thus he began his teaching career and taught French at Cony High School for 26 years.

He was a communicant and active member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church where he served as a lecturer, money counter, RCIA instructor and catechist. He was the warden for Ward 4 voting in the City of Augusta for 10 years. He was an avid gardener and sports enthusiast. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s he started the Augusta East Girls Softball League.

He is survived by his devoted wife, of 42 years, Marie (Tardif) Laverdiere; children, Celeste Vigue and her husband, Rey, of Merritt Island, Fla., J. Thomas Laverdiere, MD, and his wife, Brenda, of Manchester, Stephanie Laverdiere, of Roslindale, Mass., James E. Laverdiere and his wife, Wendy, of South Portland, Laurie Laverdiere, of Portland, Ore., and Karen Ferry and her husband, Josh, of South Orange, N.J.; brother, P. Norman Laverdiere and wife, Harriet, of Madison; sister, Laurette McCobb, of Woolwich; brother Romeo “Roger” Laverdiere and his wife, Gail, of Livermore Falls; brothers, Wilfred “Fo” Laverdiere and his wife, Leona, Robert Laverdiere and his wife, Patty and Maurice “Mo” Laverdiere and his wife, Fayeanne, all of Livermore; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Sara, Simone, RaeLyn, Danielle, Luke, Katelyn and Cameron; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Carmen Laverdiere in 1995, and by a brother, Raymond Laverdiere in 1992.

“Joe” and the entire Laverdiere family greatly appreciated the skillful and compassionate care provided by the staff of the Oncology Dept. of MaineGeneral Medical Center.