POLAND SPRING – Ralph J. Arel Jr., 71, of Maine Street, Poland Spring, died late Monday evening, July 25, at his home with his family at his side.

He was born in Lowell, Mass., March 27, 1934, a son of Ralph and Ethel Arel, and attended Edward Little High School.

He was a veteran of the military, having served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955.

On Jan. 10, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mary Caroline Tripp, in Topeka, Kan. His devoted wife predeceased him July 19, 1993. Following their marriage, they moved back to Maine, and remained lifelong residents of the greater Auburn and Poland communities.

For most of his life, he was self-employed as a mason, carpenter and welder. He was a member of the VFW and was a hard worker, and a loving husband and father who also always enjoyed the company of his family.

He leaves his supportive companion and loving friend, Patty Howe-Page, of Poland Spring; two daughters, Susan Poliquin of Poland Spring, and Laurie Granger and her husband, Stephen, of Gray; a son, Michael Arel and his wife, Donna, of Poland Spring; seven grandchildren, Mark, Matthew, Daniel and Max Arel, and Kala, Shane and Aeleah Granger; and his granddog, a golden retriever named Casey.

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