LEWISTON — Romeo E. Bechard, 87, of Lewiston, passed away on Monday, Aug. 29, at St. Mary’s Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Dec. 27, 1923, a son of the late Denis and Eliane (Pruneau) Bechard. He attended local schools. While attending Lewiston High School in the 1940s, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country during World War II. While in the service, he received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal and the European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After the war, he returned to Lewiston and began his career as a die-maker. He worked at Die Mfg. Co. until his retirement several years ago. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. He was a Boy Scout leader for over 15 years. He was a master craftsman who would make operating miniature models of almost anything out of either metal or wood. He became very proficient in photography. He was a very self-educated man who amassed a great amount of knowledge because of his great love of reading, especially National Geographic. He loved amazing his family and friends with the amount of trivia he knew.

Romeo is survived by two nephews, Ronald Bechard and Gerard Bechard; three nieces, Suzanne Akers, Jacqueline Musick and Linda Porter; his great nieces and nephews, Candace Hathorne, Michelle Palmer, Buffy Ward, Jasmine Dan, Christopher and Sarah Bechard, Jennifer Young, Sabrina Edwards, Amy and Melissa Akers; and one sister in law, Lucille Bechard.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Maurice, Normand and Paul Bechard; and a niece, Lorraine Stachera.

Words of condolence and tributes may be shared with the Bechard family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.