1928 – 2014

AUBURN — Arnold J. Vasiliauskas, 86, of Main Street in Lewiston, died Monday, June 30, surrounded by his loving family at the Hospice House.

He was born in Lewiston on April 2, 1928, a son of the late Joseph and Malvina (Varaneckis) Vasiliauskas, who came to this country from Lithuania through Ellis Island. He was educated in Lewiston and graduated from Lewiston High School, and then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy.

Arnold married his true love, Lorraine (Vallee), on May 31, 1952, and together they raised five children.

In 1960, Arnold opened Gino’s Pizza in New Auburn. It did not take long for Gino’s to become a landmark and was a very popular hangout in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s after Friday night E.L. football games at Walton Field, before heading to the dance at E.L. Gino’s was famous for his fresh roll Italians, his homemade pizza crusts and his fabulous meatballs and sauce. Everyone remembers the famous saying, “Let’s Meet at Gino’s.” To this day, there are still former patrons who have a reunion every year known as “The Gino’s Gang.” Arnold closed Gino’s in 1987.

He was a former member of St. Patrick’s Church in Lewiston. He was a man of many hobbies and loved his dogs and cats. His greatest joys were his wife, children, grandchildren and finding the best deals. My girls at Big Lots, Marden’s and Goodwill: Thanks for the memories.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Lorraine, of Lewiston; his five children, Pandora Lawler and husband, James, of Auburn, Arnold Vasiliauskas and wife, Gretchen, of Ocean Park, Mark Vasiliauskas and wife, Doreen, of Greene, Beth Emerson and husband, John, of Lewiston and Lisa Lally and husband, Michael, of Auburn; 11 grandchildren, Benjamin Lawler, Sarah Vasiliauskas, Annalisa Vasiliauskas, John Emerson, William Emerson, Andrew Vasiliauskas, Mary Elizabeth Emerson, Francesca Lally, Maximilian Lally, Eddie Emerson and Alexander Lally; three stepgrandchildren; six stepgreat-grandchildren; one stepgreat-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Stella Vasiliauskas and Adele Fonger; and his twin brother, Joseph Vasiliauskas.

A very special “Shukria” to Dr. Pandey and the staff of the oncology unit at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

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

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