LEWISTON – Roland Paul Dion, 88, formerly of 319 Webster St., presently residing at St. Marguerite d’Youville Pavilion, 2-West, for the past 15 months, died Tuesday morning, July 5, after a long blood illness, peacefully in the presence of his loving family.

Born in Berlin, N.H., on April 18, 1917, he was the son of George and Beatrice Dubois Dion. He attended Holy Cross Grammar School and Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Lewiston High School, and graduated from Professor Robert’s Business College of three years.

He married Rose Emma Croteau on Sept. 15, 1936.

For many years, he belonged to St. Peter and Paul Church, now the Basilica, then St. Patrick’s Church. As a young adult, he worked with wholesale product sales at Bates Street Cigar Co., and the J.J. Nissen Co. At the age of 49, he became blind from optic neuritis, and was disabled. He attended school for blind rehabilitation and Braille in Waltham, Mass.

He served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1946, and went to Germany, France and Belgium. He also attended Coast Guard School and sailed the Queen Elizabeth Ship. He belonged to the VFW, DAV, and the Blind Veteran’s Association.

He was a man of strong faith and high morals, with a very positive spirit. He was very loyal to his family and friends. He had a great love for animals, and enjoyed being around the little members of the family as well as his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Paul Dion and his wife, Peg Fenwick, of Winthrop; his daughter, Lorraine Clavette and husband, Norm, of Lewiston; his grandchildren and spouses, Bonnie Clavette Bannister and husband, Steve, of Lewiston, Dave Clavette and wife, Kelly Drake, of Auburn, Linda Clavette Quigley and husband, Scott, of Auburn, Gerald Dion of Minot, and Carol Dalton and husband, Steve, of Belmont, N.H.; seven great-grandchildren, Jamie, Ian, Kevin, Brett Bannister, Katherine and Leah Clavette, and Destiny Camire; and a nephew, Don Bussiere of Westbrook.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; his wife, Rose of 45 years; and his only sister, Bernice Bussiere.

We will especially miss his wonderful smile and unique sense of humor.

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