AUBURN – Noel A. Roy, 81, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, with family and friends at his bedside.

He was born the son of A’mee and Lucianna (Cote) Roy in Lac Megantic Quebec, Canada, on Dec. 25, 1925. He moved to Maine and was educated in Lewiston schools.

In September 1942, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and remained with the Navy for 30 years as a senior chief petty officer. While in the Navy, he met Edith C. Grimm in Yonkers, N.Y., married her shortly thereafter and returned to his home in Maine.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he became a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was a devout and zealous minister and enjoyed every opportunity to discuss the Bible. Because of his ministry, he was beloved by many of his fellow brothers and sisters and acquired a very large extended family of friends. He spent much of his spare time gardening, woodworking and fixing cars.

He is survived by his son, Bruce L. Roy of Lewiston; his daughter, Roberta M. Vaillancourt of Lewiston; three grandsons, Gregory B. Roy of Gardiner, Brian A. Caouette of Lewiston and Raymond D. Caouette and wife, Christine Caouette, of Lewiston; a granddaughter, Nicole Faye of East Pittston; one great-granddaughter, Courtney R. Caouette of Lewiston; and a sister, Simone Roy Lauze of Lewiston.

He was predeceased by his wife, Edith C. Roy; three brothers, Alex P. Roy of Florida, Leo O. Roy of Newmarket, N.H., and Damien Roy of New Hampshire; and both his parents.

His family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and a very special thank-you to all of his brothers and sisters for their loving care and support.