AUBURN — Maurice P. Laurendeau, 92, of Lewiston, died Saturday, Dec. 24, at The Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice with his family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston, Sept. 8, 1919, the youngest of nine and son of the late Philippe and Amanda Dulac Laurendeau. He attended St. Peter’s School and graduated from Lewiston High School in the Class of 1937. He was the first in his family to further his education, attending Bentley College and continued his hockey dreams playing for the Boston Olympics. He eventually hung up his skates to concentrate on his education.

On July 1, 1941, he was drafted in the U.S. Army. Because of his business education, his duty in the service was in office administration. He attended Duke University for officer candidate school and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in January 1943.

On Sept. 4, 1943, he married Lydia Roy and traveled with her to Indiana. By December he received his orders of deployment and headed to California. As he went west his pregnant wife went east. In September 1944 a convoy of Liberty ships brought him and his comrades to Algeria in northern Africa. He followed the Seventh Army to France, Germany and Austria. He was promoted to the rank of captain while overseas and returned to the States in 1945. He received the Bronze Star for his role in World War II. He was 40 miles from Berlin when the war ended and was subsequently stationed in London, England. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Bentley in 1947.

He started working for Roy Bros. Trucking as the traffic manager. He held that position for 18 years. He dreamed of owning his own business and in 1966 he bought Lewiston Lumber Co. He was respected in the community and was a member of many organizations. He nurtured his business and sales increased tenfold under his leadership. He was a trustee and director of First Manufactures National Bank, Northeast and Fleet Bank.

His wife Lydia died in 1986, and that same year he had bypass surgery. He enjoyed and was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. He was a member of the Martindale Country Club and the Meadow Country Club in Sarasota, Fla., where he wintered for many years. While in Sarasota, he met a fine Irish beauty in the fall of 1992 at their local church. By May the following year he married Sheila McCabe. He lost most of his eyesight in 1999 but was still determined to get around, sometimes pedaling a bike to work at Lewiston Lumber Co.

Mr. Laurendeau was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. He was a man of great faith and didn’t let setbacks in his life consume him. Sheila’s love for her husband and the care she provided for him allowed him to celebrate 92-plus years. The family loves her very deeply for that monumental task. He was also a member of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus Council 106.

Two loving marriages, three children, two step-daughters, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren have encircled his wonderful life. He has instilled in his family strong values of honesty, integrity and credence that your word is your bond and a handshake will seal the deal. His son Philippe had the pleasure and privilege to work by his father’s side for 37 years. He was a strong role model and mentor to many.

Maurice is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Sheila, of Lewiston; a daughter, Lorraine J. Pandolfe and husband, Tom of West Hartford, Conn.; his two sons, Normand M. Laurendeau and his wife, Marlene of Brunswick and Philippe Laurendeau and his wife, Carol of Brunswick; his step-daughters, Kathleen Thomas and husband, Dwight of Mashpee, Mass., and Anna Buttner of North Quincy, Mass. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jules Laurendeau, Mark Pandolfe, Kevin Laurendeau, Kellie Cardona and Kristen Laurendeau; four great-grandchildren, Emily Laurendeau, Aiden Laurendeau, Noah Cardona and Liam Griffey; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sisters; five brothers; and a grandchild.

The family wishes to thank the Hospice House staff for their loving care and comfort afforded to Maurice and his family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.