LEWISTON — Jean-Baptiste “John” Bouchard, 89, formerly of 10 Seville Place and Montello Heights, died Thursday, June 24, at the d’Youville Pavilion.

He was born in Fort Kent, Sept. 6, 1920, the son of Elzear and Yvonne Levesque Bouchard. He moved away from the state as a boy and was educated in Michigan schools, attending Hazel Park High School in Michigan.

Prior to graduating, he left to join the Civilian Conservation Corps, and joined the U.S. Navy at the start of World War II. He served as a submariner as a machinist’s mate from December 1941 until November 1947.

After the war, he went to watch repair school, then returned to Maine and, on Sept. 8, 1950, he married Jeannette Legendre. She passed away on June 18, 2000.

He worked as a goldsmith and watch repairman for many years, including 14 years as the proprietor of John Bouchard Jewelers in Waterville, retiring in 1980. He was a quiet person, who considered himself an “old sailor,” and loved to travel, most recently spending two weeks in Cape Town, South Africa, at the age of 82.

A member of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish, he is survived by a brother, Louis Dibiase and wife, Shirley, of Rochester Hills, Mich.; a sister, Madonna Perdue of East China, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Antonio Dibiase. Donations and condolences may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.