LEWISTON – Rosario A. Gregoire, 86, of 51 Lucille Ave., Lewiston, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, June 22, after a long illness.

He was born at 159 Bates St., Lewiston, on Oct. 19, 1918, the son of Alphonse and Virginie (Gagne) Gregoire. He had been a resident of this community all of his life.

He was educated at St. Peter’s School.

He served with the 90th Signal Company of the 90th infantry division in the U.S. Army. He was with the combat Engineers in World War II in the invasions of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. The only known survivor and friend of his unit was Sgt. Tony Police.

He was employed at the Hill Mill as a textile machine operator. He then was a custodian at Grandview Apartments until his retirement in 1981.

Rosario was a member of Holy Cross Parish, active in the Booster Club, Senior Citizens and the League of Sacred Heart.

He enjoyed gardening, and his beloved trips to the ocean. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

He married the former Rita A. Pelletier on June 15, 1946, who died on Oct. 12, 1999. Together they provided a happy home for their six children.

He is survived by two daughters, Sister Marguerite Gregoire P.M. of Methuen, Mass., and Annette Gregoire of Lewiston; four sons, Paul Gregoire and his wife, Pauline, of Sabattus, Daniel Gregoire and his wife, Jo-Ann, and Rosaire and Marc Gregoire, all of Lewiston; three sisters, Alicia Gregoire, Sister Marguerite Gregoire Sr. O.P., and Isabelle Cyr; seven grandchildren, Stacy Fortier, Tracy, Scott, James, Heather, Aaron and Alicia Gregoire; one great-grandchild, Carter Wyatt Gregoire; a close friend and nephew, Alphonse Bourque; a friend of Marc Gregoire, Carol J. Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Aurore Charest, Antoinette Bourque and Annette Gregoire; and by one brother, Armand Gregoire.