AUBURN — Emil S. Rzasa, 85, of Lewiston, longtime friend and companion to Carolyn Burke, died on Sunday, June 23, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin.

He was born in Lewiston in 1927, the son of Ignacy and Antonia (Bak) Rzasa. He was both a graduate of Lewiston High School and Bates College, Class of 1949, with the degree in physics. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II stationed at the Boston Base.

Prior to his retirement on Aug. 1, 1983, he was employed as a supervisor of the employees for the U.S. Postal Service on Ash Street in Lewiston, for more than 35 years.

He was an active and supportive member of the Bates Alumni Association. In recent years, a dedication was held at the Olin Art Center, where the college honored him and his late parents for their generosity in the building of the Rzasa Dormitory.

He enjoyed Sunday drives in and around Maine. He had a great love for dogs, especially his golden retriever, O’Buster.

He was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church and he was saddened by its closing. Emile enjoyed fellowship and community service as a member of the Polish community.

He was predeceased by his mother, Antonia, in 1977; and his father, Ignacy, in 1975.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed atwww.lynchbrothers.com.