1925 – 2014

SOUTH PARIS — The world lost Marcel N. Charest, 89, on Tuesday, May 20, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris.

Marcel was born in Auburn on Feb., 18, 1925, the 12th of 17 children to Thomas and Amanda Charest. He attended Lewiston schools, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army as a rifleman in April 1943. He saw combat in the African, Middle Eastern and European theaters, earning a number of medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart with Cluster. Like many of the heroes from the greatest generation, he returned home in November 1945 and quietly resumed his life, never boasting of his exploits.

He married the former Carmen Marie Carrier on Nov. 28, 1953, and they made their home in Lewiston, raising five children and becoming active members of the community and Holy Family Parish. He was a letter carrier for 35 years. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Association of Federal Retirees and the Purple Heart Association. He was a charter member at Fairlawn Golf Course.

Marcel had a lifelong love of hockey, playing for the Lewiston Maple Leafs and Bates Manufacturing, and he was especially proud of playing at Madison Square Garden. He subsequently coached and refereed youth hockey. In his later years, he perfected his skills as a grandfather and great-grandfather. He provided us all with an example of a life well-lived. We’ll miss you, Pépère.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen, of Lewiston; daughter, Patricia “Trecia” Travers and her husband, Michael, of West Minot; son, Paul Charest and companion, Sue Harris, of Lewiston; daughter, Joan Preston and husband, Gary, of Lewiston; daughter, Nancy Baldwin, of Sabattus; daughter, Joline Charest, of Lewiston; two brothers, Fernand and wife, Jackie, and Rosaire and wife, Claudette , both of Lewiston; three sisters, Laurette Poulin of Lewiston, Rita LePage of Vero Beach, Fla., and Yvette and husband, Robert Elliot Jr., of Litchfield; sister-in-law, Doris Cormier, of Sabattus; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.

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