AUBURN — Fernand P. “Fern” Racine, 83, of Lewiston died peacefully Tuesday, March 29, at The Hospice House with family at his side.

He was born in Auburn, July 3, 1927, a son of Louis and Ida (Pelletier) Racine and was educated in local schools. Mr. Racine was a military veteran, having served his country in the Air Force during World War II, from 1945 until his honorable discharge in 1948.

On April 24, 1954, he married the former Aline Belanger of Brunswick and together they settled in Brunswick to raise their family. They relocated to Lewiston-Auburn in 1982. Fern first worked for a number of years at Auerbach Shoe in Brunswick and later worked many years at Bath Iron Works until his retirement in 1992.

While living in Lewiston, he and his wife attended the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and he was also a past member of the American Legion. While a resident of Brunswick, Fern bowled many years in the Vigilantes Bowling League and also enjoyed fishing and playing horseshoes.

He was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Aline Racine of Lewiston; his two daughters, Sue Pearce and husband, David, of North Carolina, and Diane Ashline and husband, Gary, of North Carolina; his two sons, Michael Racine and wife, Linda, of Greene and Fern Racine and wife, Nona, of Sabattus; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his only sibling, his brother, Romeo Racine.

The family would like to thank Fern’s doctors and the staff at St. Mary’s and the Hospice House for their care and compassion.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Racine family by visiting their online guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.