LEWISTON – Robert L. Bernier, 75, of Lewiston, died, Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Ste. Marguerite d’Youville Pavilion, after a long illness.

He was born on March 13, 1932, in Lewiston, the son of Leo and Aline “Dube” Bernier. He was one of three siblings and was educated at St. Patrick School. He married Claudette Pelletier on April 16, 1955, and resided his entire life in Lewiston. He worked at Gould and Scammon Shoe Manufacturing Co. for 50 years.

Though no formal education beyond elementary school, and unknown to many, he was an avid reader and studier of Eastern European literature and history. He will be remembered as a person with a strong work ethic as was demonstrated in the many years he spent in shoe manufacturing. He was also a member of the Lewiston Pastime Club.

Survivors include his wife, Claudette; their four children, Suzanne Caron and her husband, Conrad, of Greene, Mike of Buckfield, Paul and his wife, Tammy, of New Gloucester and Diane and her companion, Jim Keddy, of Auburn; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; and three siblings, Theresa Dube, Doris Dowden and Don Bernier.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to Amy and the dedicated staff of 4-West at Ste. Marguerite Pavilion for their compassion, devotion, and the wonderful care that they provided. They are clearly a devoted staff who treat their residents as family, as one of their own.