AUBURN – Lionel Emile Ct, 88, formerly of Acadia Street, Lewiston, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, Dec. 29, at Clover Manor, where he had been a patient for the past two years.

He was born in Lewiston on Feb. 10, 1918, to Louis and Elina (Pelletier) Ct. He was educated at Holy Cross School. He married his loving wife of 67 years, Marie-Blanche Fortin on Sept. 7, 1940.

Mr. Ct served in the U.S. Army in World War II, landing on the beaches of Normandy, during the liberation of France. Since Lionel spoke French, he was asked to find food for the troops. This is how he met and befriended a 13-year-old French boy, Pierre LeBrun, whose father had been taken prisoner by the Germans. Pierre wrote to Marie-Blanche to inform her that Lionel was alive and well. The two became close friends and have kept in touch throughout the years. Pierre and his family have come to the States and met Lionel’s family. Lionel and Blanche visited Pierre and his wife, Gnvive, in Normandy, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Invasion.

After the war, Lionel worked for Elmer Walker Plumbing and Heating and then, until his retirement, for Ted Walker. Throughout the years, he was a devoted husband and father. His family always came first. They enjoyed many family trips to Canada to visit family and friends there, especially enjoying collecting sap to make maple syrup.

Upon his retirement, he enjoyed tinkering around the house and traveling. His most memorable trip was going to France to reunite with his friend.

He was a gentle and loving man, as well as a prankster and practical joker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marie-Blanche; three sons, Donald and his wife, Kim, Paul and his wife, Louise, all of Lewiston, and Roger and his wife, Joline, of Sabattus; his favorite daughter, Diane Kirouac of Auburn; a son-in-law, Daniel Kirouac of Auburn; two sisters, Simonne Landry and her husband, Lionel, and Muguette Ct of Lewiston; two sisters-in-law, Adrienne Ct of Lewiston and Raymonde Ct of Ontario, Canada; eight grandchildren, Angela Wojcik, Dawn Kelley, Kara Cougle, Chandra Sturgis, Olivia Ct, Thomas Ct, Justin Ct, and Allen Kirouac; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Alberta Ct; and four brothers, Joseph-Albert, Laurier, Gerard and Lo.

He will be sadly missed by family, and friends. The family wishes to extend a warm, heartfelt, and sincere thank you to the staff at Clover Manor and Androscoggin Home Health.