LEWISTON — Raymond J.P. Laverdiere, 78, a resident of Lewiston, died Saturday evening, June 5, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center following a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston on June 10, 1931, the son of Henri and Marianne (Lessard) Laverdiere and had been a resident of this community all of his life.

He attended Lewiston schools. He then was employed for Federal Shoe in Lewiston.

He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1954 where he made sergeant and was in the Korean War.

He co-owned and operated Gene’s Corner Store from 1955 until 1974.

He married the former Murielle Mercier on June 8, 1957, who died on Dec. 1, 2005. He started Able Power Rooter with co-owner Fern Forgue and Rudy Laverdiere in 1969.

Ray enjoyed his summer camp and boat rides and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was very active with the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Prince of Peace Parish with the food pantry, serving at Mass, organizing altar servers and greeting at Mass.

He is survived by one daughter, Anita Richards and her husband, Tim, of Auburn; three sons, Ronald Laverdiere of Lewiston, Richard Laverdiere and his wife, Kelly, of Lewiston and Roland Laverdiere and his wife, Kim, of Greene; one sister, Therese Provencher of Auburn; five grandchildren, Melissa Leavitt and her husband, Jamison, of Minot, Ryan Richards and his wife, Mihoko, of Lewiston, Lysa Laverdiere of Lewiston, Riley and Lotus Laverdiere both of Greene; one great-grandchild, Kennedy Leavitt of Minot; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was predeceased by three sisters, Annie Morin, Juliette Berube and Rita Laverdiere; and by four brothers, Henry, Leonel, Albert and Rodolphe Laverdiere.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Richard Kappelman and his staff for the excellent care they have given to Ray throughout the years.