1935 – 2015

LEWISTON — Lionel D. “Nel” Morrissette, 79, of Oak Park Apartments, died Wednesday, Feb. 11, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center with family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Feb. 23, 1935, a son of Lionel and Jeannette (Tessier) Morrissette. Nel was educated in local schools and remained a lifelong resident of this community.

He was a military veteran, having served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict, until his honorable discharge.

Nel first worked for several years in local shoe shops and later worked for many years in the Lewiston-Auburn restaurant industry, including owning and operating a couple of his own small businesses, until his retirement.

He was an avid and experienced billiards player, even at a competitive level, participating in tournaments around the U.S. and Canada. He also enjoyed doing puzzles and traveling. He had a keen interest in general history and enjoyed watching the History Channel.

Nel was a loving, devoted and hardworking partner, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his life partner, Irene Ryan, of Greene; six daughters, Debbie Pelletier and companion, Steven Danforth, of Poland, Diane Godsoe and husband, Peter, of North Yarmouth, Denise Silvius and husband, David, of Leeds, Doreen Ward and husband, Dana, of Lewiston, Donna Courchesne and companion, Michael Deschesnes, of Leeds and Jennifer Morrissette of Lisbon; a stepson, Donald Ryan and wife, Judy, of Greene; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Theresa Deschesnes of Auburn, Jacqueline Gauthier of Florida and Celine Deveau of Topsham; and several nieces and nephews.

Lionel was predeceased by an infant brother, Robert.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.