1922 – 2013

AUBURN — Gerald Francis LaChapelle, 91, of Auburn, went to be with the angels and his beloved wife of 64 years, Simonne, in Heaven on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Hospice House, with his family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Oct. 18, 1922, a son of Arthur and Dorothy LaChapelle. He graduated from Edward Little High School, with the Class of 1940. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1943, sailing on ships delivering supplies to the front lines during World War II. He was discharged in 1945. He married his loving wife, Simonne Rousseau, on Jan. 15, 1944, at St. Louis Church in Auburn. He retired from Philips Elmet in 1986, after 37 years.

He loved spending time in the outdoors fishing and hunting. For 17 years, he wintered with his wife, Simonne, in St. Petersburg, Fla. He also enjoyed volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, making puzzles and reading.

He is survived by two sons, Ronald LaChapelle and his wife, Judith, of Auburn and Roger LaChapelle and his wife, Maureen, of Lewiston; a daughter, Patricia Gove and her husband, Norman, of Auburn; his brother, Donald LaChapelle and wife, Carmen, of Auburn; his sister, Leona Petersen of Glendale, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Timothy LaChapelle and wife, Renee, of Litchfield, Jeffrey LaChapelle and wife, Cathy, of Buckfield, Lisa Ouellette and husband, Bernard, of Auburn, Jennifer Renna and husband, Kevin, of Beverly, Mass., Katie LaChapelle of Winthrop, Mass., Ryan Gove and partner, Douglas Swink, of Kansas City, Mo., Kevin Gove and wife, Sarah, of Bowdoin and Andrea Gove and partner, Stacia Saniuk, of Topsham; 12 great-grandchildren, Lauren and Mitchell LaChapelle of Auburn, Connor and McKenna LaChapelle of Buckfield, Haley, Jaden and Devin Ouellette of Auburn, Gavin, Lane and Carson Renna of Beverly, Mass., and Benjamin and Liliana Gove of Bowdoin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Simonne; brothers, Arthur, Robert and James; and sister, Shirley.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the staff at Clover Health Care in Auburn and the Androscoggin Hospice House for their excellent care and compassion for Gerald during his final days.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Gerald’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.