AUBURN — Lionel D. Bernier, 85, of 42 Marie Circle, Sabattus, died Friday, Dec. 10, at the Hospice House, following a short illness.

Born in Lisbon on July 10, 1925, he was the son of Wilfred and Annette Bisson Bernier. Educated in local schools, he was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy.

On Feb. 15, 1947, he married the former Murielle T. Pelletier at Holy Family Church in Lewiston. Murielle passed away on June 8, 2006. He was employed for many years as a tool and die maker for O’Brien Die Co., and most recently worked as a groundskeeper for the Martindale Country Club in Auburn, finally retiring at the age of 83.

A member of the American Legion Post 22, he was an avid stamp and coin collector. Always good with his hands, he enjoyed doing crafts and woodworking, especially making lawn ornaments for family and friends. He was a member of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish.

He is survived by two sons, Roger of West Chester, Ohio, and Michael and partner, Joseph Cabush, of Kensington, Md.; two daughters, Louise Henault of Greene and Paul Henault, of Greene and Lisa Bernier and partner, Laurie Danette Pinder, of Boynton Beach, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Scott Bernier, Jennifer Bernier, David Henault, Amanda Rioux, Zachary Bernier, John W. Hunt IV, Josh Hunt and Ashley Hunt.

Besides his parents and his loving wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Marilyn Lebel; and an infant brother.

Donations and condolences may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.