AUBURN – Joseph Marcel Hervey Raymond Francis Michaud, 80, of Auburn died Saturday, Aug. 11, at Clover Manor with his family by his side.

He was born March 13, 1927, in Lewiston, a son of the late Hervey and Marguerite Lagasse Michaud.

Raised in Winthrop, he was a World War II veteran, having served as a Merchant Marine in Europe and the Pacific.

A master plumber and heating system engineer by trade, he had an aptitude for advanced mathematics and earned a four-year degree in mechanical and nuclear engineering. He co-founded and built the region’s first cable television network in the 1960s, carrying both French and English programming.

He was also a president of the Pineland Parents and Friends Association, served as chairman of the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Planning and Advisory Council, and worked tirelessly as an advocate for the mentally disabled of Maine.

He was a member of Holy Family Parish, where he taught CCD, and was also a member of the Third Order of St. Francis in Greene.

He was remarkably jovial and kindhearted, a chess enthusiast, an avid home-brewer and winemaker, and he especially enjoyed working in his vineyard.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Constance Muriel Jean of Lewiston, whom he married Nov. 11, 1947; a daughter, Diane Picard and her husband, Denis, of Winterville; three sons, Daniel and his wife, Connie, of New Gloucester, Ronald and his wife, Rachael, of Lewiston, and Marc of Turlock, Calif.; eight grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; a sister, Yvette Beaudoin of Dracut, Mass.; and a brother, Maurice of Ocean Springs, Miss.

He was predeceased by his son, David; and his brother, Bertrand.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Clover Manor for their dedication and loving care of Marcel.