AUBURN — Leandre Joseph A. “Lee” Buteau, 89, of Bobby St., Lewiston, died peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, July 12, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, after a long illness.
Born in Lewiston, on Oct. 15, 1922, Leandre was the beloved son of Philibert and Anna Lebrun Buteau and was educated in local schools. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in construction and welding. Employed by the “The South Portland Ship Building Corp,” Lee worked as a welder before joining the United States Armed Forces. A Bronze Star recipient and honored World War II veteran, Lee enlisted in the United States Army Feb. 15, 1943, at the age of 21. Proudly serving as a “front line” Army medic and U.S. Army language interpreter, he served in both the European and Asiatic Pacific Theatres, earning several medals for meritorious service during the Normandy Invasion, Battle of the Bulge, the Blitz and later in Okinawa, Japan.
Following the war, on June 5, 1948, Leandre would marry Jeannette T. Albert, of Lewiston, with whom he would help raise and care for their family together for the next 46 years, until her passing in August of 1994.
He was the owner and operator of the L.J. Buteau Jewelry Store on River St. in Lewiston during the 1950s. Lee’s enjoyment for jewelry, watch, and clock repair remained strong even after the closing of his store and long into his retirement. A “finish carpenter,” Lee also worked for several well-known and locally-owned construction companies, including Charles Buteau Construction, Castonguay Construction, and Joe Blais Construction, all before working as the facilities superintendent for the Pepperell Mill warehouse complex, retiring in 1984.
He was a man of many passions. An avid Boston sports enthusiast, he was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins, never missing a televised game. He enjoyed playing cards, especially solitaire and cribbage, and he loved to cook, especially for his family. He was also a great fan of music and was a proud member of the Club Musical Litteraire and a St. Mary’s Cadet. A patriotic and honored veteran, Leandre was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lewiston Post 9150, The American Legion, Lewiston Post 22, and the Franco American War Veterans Inc., Lewiston Post 31. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends, who will sadly miss him, but the memory of his passion for life, as well as his love and commitment to his family, will remain in their hearts and minds forever.
He
is survived by his two daughters, Diane L. Moreau and her husband, Aldo of Lewiston, Lorraine J. Frawley and her husband, John of Hampden; a sister, Anna Faucher of Lewiston; a brother, Charles Buteau and his wife, Monita of Lewiston; five grandchildren, Marc A. Moreau, Danielle Moreau and her boyfriend, Joshua Dwinal, Sean Maloon and his wife, Mary, Nadine Maloon, and Michelle Maloon Twaddell; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a very close friend, Lorraine Gelinas; his beloved Bobby St. neighbors; and his dear friends of the “Veterans Morning Coffee Club.”He was predeceased by his wife, Jeannette; two brothers, George and Philibert Buteau; one sister, Rita L’Heureux; and one son-in-law, Patrick Maloon.
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Brodsky of L.A. Internal Medicine for his years of dedicated care and treatment of Leandre and for going above and beyond the call of duty, and to the staff of the Hospice House for the amazing care and comfort they provided to not only Lee, but to his family, especially Nina Sweet, R.N. Nina, you truly were and will always be “Our Angel.”
Donations, condolences, and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.
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