Lewiston – Wilfred Elzear Larochelle, 82, of Sabattus, passed away Jan. 2, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center after a long illness, with his family by his side.

He was born on Aug. 1, 1924, in Lewiston, the son of Elzear Larochelle and Emilie (Merchier) Gagnon. He lived most of his life in Lewiston, then moved to his summer home on Sabattus Lake when he retired. On Jan. 29, 1944, he married the former Jeanne d’Arc Palardy at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston.

He served in the Army during World War II, and received an honorable discharge. He worked in the Hill Mill in Augusta and Bates Mill in Lewiston for many years. He enjoyed listening to the news, especially CNN. He loved listening to his country western music and playing cards. He enjoyed the outdoors at his home on Sabattus Lake and spent many hours in the spring, summer and fall sitting on his porch swing enjoying his family and friends. He was a good husband, a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He will be sadly missed by all.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Jeanne, of 62 years; his two loving and caring daughters, Carol Hartley, and husband, Gerald, of Sabattus, Linda Swift and Frank Olehowski of Gray; four grandchildren, Tamra Hartley-Smith, and husband, Craig, of Auburn, Byron Hartley, and his wife, Stephanie, of Lisbon, Cameron Hartley, and his wife, Kelly, of Auburn and Cindy Swift and Trudy of Raymond; 10 great-grandchildren, Dustin, Talazen, Bryar, Jared, BrieAnna, Joshua, Abrielle, Nicolas, Sophia, and Weston; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Carol Ann in 1945; and 13 brothers and sisters of the Gagnon, Arnoldy, Klimec and Labrie family whom he loved very much.

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