1924 – 2014

WORCESTER, Mass. — Maurice L. Galarneau, 89, of Auburn, died Thursday, Feb. 27, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center, after a brief illness.

He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 3, 1924, the son of the late Louis and Jeanne (Chenard) Galarneau. He was a lifelong resident of Auburn and attended Auburn schools.

Maurice proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Marine Corps, 2nd Marine Division, for more than three years, seeing action in Tonga, New Caledonia, Russell Island, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Eniwetok, Tinian and Okinawa. He was in Saipan when the war ended, training to invade Japan. He served in the occupation force, entering Nagasaki 45 days after the atomic bomb was dropped.

Maurice was a roofer at St. Hilaire Roofing for his entire career and retired when he was 62 years old, only to continue working on his own, cutting and splitting six cords of wood for his stove each year. He was an avid outdoorsman and Maine guide, enjoying hunting and fishing. He also loved playing cards and spending time with family, including his cat, Tina. Each day started with a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts to meet with friends and have their daily chat.

He leaves behind a sister, Marguerite Grenier, of Danielson, Conn.; a son, Moe, of Auburn; two daughters, Sue McAllaster and husband, Don, of Shrewsbury, Mass., and GG Galarneau and husband, Tony LaJudice, of Denver, Colo.; four grandchildren, Ryan and Jeff Galarneau of Auburn and Mary and Liam McAllaster of Massachusetts; as well as three great-grandchildren, Haylee Cunningham and Aaleigha and Erica Galarneau.

He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Cecile (Barre) Galarneau; son, James; and sister, Lucille Grenier.

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