LEWISTON – Onile P. “Neil” Francoeur, 84, of 20 Ventura St., Lewiston, died Saturday, March 4, surrounded by his loving family at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Born in Wotton, Canada, on Oct. 8, 1921, son of the late William and Alida Guimond Francoeur, he was educated in Westbrook schools.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Co A 760 Tank Battalion in Italy.

He married Irene Laplante on Sept. 6, 1948. Together they founded and operated Neil’s Bakery Products Transportation Co. for 34 years.

He was a member of Holy Cross Parish. Among his many community activities, he was founding president of the St. Louis Booster Club, a member of the American Legion New Auburn Post 153, and past-president of the New Auburn Business Group. He also enjoyed being a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years. He loved woodworking and sharing many great times at the lake.

He will be remembered for his quick-witted sense of humor, his generosity to employees, friends and community, and his ability to relate well to everyone he met.

He was especially close and connected to his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his large extended family.

Neil is survived by his wife, Irene; two daughters, Marguerite I. Rodrigue of Lewiston, and Joline Francoeur and her husband, Darl Kolb, of Auckland, New Zealand; a son, William P. Francoeur and his wife, Diane, of Auburn; five grandchildren, Jake and Marcy Rodrigue, Jeffrey Francoeur and his wife, Kathy, Joseph Francoeur and Kim Hayes, and Thomas Francoeur and his wife, Lilea; four great-grandchildren, Libby Rae, Kayle Jayne, Jordan and Johnathan Francoeur; and a sister, Yvette Galipeau of Westbrook.

He was predeceased by four sisters and five brothers.

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