AUBURN – Joseph R. Bosse, 85, of 82 Kyle Lane, went home to be with Jesus and loved ones on Thursday, Aug. 30, at his home after a brave battle with cancer.

He was born in Lewiston on Feb. 27, 1922, the son of the late Pierre A. and Blanche Y. Chenard Bosse of Lewiston. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was the recipient of the Bronze Star for bravery.

He was married on June 15, 1944, to Alberta Marie Barre of Rumford, who predeceased him April 6, 1980. He was employed for many years at F.X. Marcotte Furniture on Lincoln Street and also many years at Bates Mfg. Co. Hill Mill Division on the 11 to 7 shift as a spinner and weaver.

Before his retirement at the age of 63, he worked about 15 years as a cook for Jimmy’s Diner. He took on odd jobs including installation of carpets and flooring to help feed his large family whom he loved dearly. He also worked a few years at Yvon’s Fruit Stand on Riverside Drive. He was a longtime member of the New Auburn Social Club and also worked there as a janitor and served as trustee for many years.

He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed reading the newspaper every morning, watching the Red Sox, Patriots games and car races. He loved taking bus trips with his daughter to Foxwoods to play bingo.

He loved to cook, in fact just the day before he went to be with Jesus he was spending time with a neighbor, giving him recipes for white sauce. He enjoyed hosting the yearly family Christmas party at the NASC and giving gifts to all his grand and great-grandchildren.

He often helped people in need with his time and/or money, but never bragged about it. He said God knew and that was good enough. He also enjoyed family functions like weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries and family gatherings. He loved to pass around candy, playing the Powerball and loved it when someone would buy him a scratch ticket.

His favorite color was blue, his favorite food was lobster, his favorite TV show was sports. and his favorite saying was “Ask Dolly.” He loved his cat Bear, his dog Pepper and his P.T. Cruiser. The kids on his street all called him pepere Bob, and will surely miss him.

He is survived by six daughters and spouses, Doris and Gerry Morin, Dolores and Roger Poisson, Denise and Mark Coombs, Diane and Robert Veilleux, Donna and Roger Aube and Dorothy and Kim Levesque; four sons and spouses, Roger and Rejeanne Bosse, Richard and Debbie Bosse, Ronnie and Pam Bosse and Regis and Sheila Bosse; a daughter-in-law, Beatrice Levasseur, and husband, Rick; 32 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; his brother, Roland, and his wife, Estelle Bosse; three sisters, Pauline, and her husband, Sonny Beaudoin, Claudette Annance and Blanche Landry.

He was predeceased by a son, Rene Bosse; two sisters, Rita Regis and Georgette Poulin; and two brothers, Bertrand and Romeo Bosse.