RUMFORD – Alfred William “Slugger” Drapeau, 65, of Ellis River Road, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, at his residence.

He was born in Rumford, on Nov. 5, 1943, a son of Napoleon and Shirley (Swett) Drapeau.

Al was educated in Mexico schools and was a graduate of Mexico High School, Class of 1961.

He married Patricia J. (Martin) on July 12, 1975, at Ft. Devens, Mass.

He served in the U.S. Army Elite Special Forces during the Vietnam War with Delta Project, and continued in Special Forces during his military career, which spanned 24 years. He received four Bronze Stars for Valor, two Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, two Purple Hearts, a Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (10 Campaigns), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnamese Parachutist Badge, Senior Army Parachute Wings, Civic Action Honor Medal (1st Class), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (two awards), Good Conduct Medal (six awards), and a Vietnam Campaign Medal.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 1641, the VFW, the Special Forces Decade Association, and the Disabled American Veterans.

He enjoyed working on his sports cars, hunting, fishing; he was an avid fly fisherman, and he enjoyed tying his own salmon and trout flies. He also loved to play his guitar, to cook, and to spend time with his boxers, Candy and Shadow, and his grand bulldogs, Max and Captain.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia J. Martin Drapeau of Rumford; his mother, Shirley Drapeau of Mexico; his children, Blaine A Drapeau of Rumford, Rhonda Jean Violette, and Allycia A. LeCompte and husband, Michael, of Sanford; four brothers, Ray Drapeau and wife, Glenda, of Otisfield, Philip Drapeau and wife, Rose, of Weld, Larry Drapeau of Mexico, and Jean Paul Drapeau and wife, Diane, of Rockport, Texas; six grandchildren; uncle, Alfred Drapeau of Mexico; and a cousin, James Drapeau of Mexico.

He was predeceased by his father, Napoleon Drapeau; and a sister, Aleta Drapeau.