LEWISTON — Roland M. Patry, 88, of Lewiston, passed away at his home on Monday, May 21, of cardiac related issues.

He was born in Lewiston, Aug. 27, 1927, a son of the late Joseph T. and Fedora (Langelier) Patry. He attended St. Anthony School in Jackman as a boarding student.

Upon graduating from high school, he enlisting in the U.S. Navy and served his country in World War II. He was a machinist mate on Blimps based out of Cuba. Pilots requested that he work on their ships because of his meticulous attention to detail.

On Sept. 9, 1957, he married Rita Ouellette. Together they worked and raised their family in Lewiston until Rita’s death in 1978. They also had a camp in Jackman that Roland enjoyed until last summer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Roland was a machinist. He worked numerous jobs prior to being employed at Philips Elmet until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Holy Cross Church. Every year he was a proud sponsor of public Radio and TV and most notably very involved in sponsoring several children throughout the year in Operation Smile. This organization provides surgical services to children with cleft lip or palate.

He spent his entire life learning and sharing his knowledge with others. He was a master of all trades, and was considered an absolute perfectionist. He could build or rebuild anything. He most recently repaired a tricycle for his great-granddaughter, having to machine many parts that were no longer available. This was one of many projects that he had and left a list of many more.

He lived his life to its fullest each and every day. He continued riding his motorcycle to the age of 80. He loved his niece’s Elaine lobster stew or just about anything she cooked up and he particularly enjoyed the special activities he shared with his nephew, Paul.

Roland recently underwent rehabilitation for a broken hip at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris. He had nothing but praise for the care that he received from all the staff. He also enjoyed the comradeship from the other veterans that were at the facility.

Roland is survived by two daughters, Yvonne Micklon of Norway and Carol Ann Guay and her husband, Normand, of Greene; five grandchildren, Ann Marie and her husband, Jeff Thomas, Michael Micklon, Stephanie Michaud and her husband, Robert, Michelle Curtis and her husband, Chad and Erica Guay; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Rita; his brothers, Raymond and Adrien Patry; and his sister, Carmen Biron.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Dr. Raymond Stone and his staff and Dr. Alan Verrill for the dignity, respect and care they provided to Roland and family.

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

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