1920 – 2016

LEWISTON — Rosaire “Rosie” LaFontaine, 96, a well-known and well-respected New Auburn businessman, died Sunday, Dec. 4, at d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born at home in New Auburn, as were his seven siblings, the son of Arthur LaFontaine and Elmina (Bourget) LaFontaine on Oct. 13, 1920. Rosaire grew up in the tight-knit community of New Auburn and became active at St. Louis Church, at one time being in charge of 30 altar boys. As he got older, he participated in New Auburn community activities and later extended his services to the entire Auburn community.

Rosaire was proud to be a 1939 graduate of Edward Little High School and to this day his license plate reads ELHS 39. He made a point of being on the Building Committee for the new Edward Little High School in the early 1960s. He received the Paul Harris Fellowship at the Rotary Club honoring his lifetime membership.

During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps, receiving his basic training on the beach at Miami. He later received sheet metal training at the Fairfield Air Base in Fairfield, Calif., which would benefit him greatly later in life.

He remembers with great fondness seeing his future wife, Helene Roy, for the very first time at a bus stop. He was on the bus and was smitten with “love at first sight.” Hoping to meet her, he got off the bus when she did and followed her home. He was delighted to see she turned into the Honore Roy home in New Auburn. Rosaire knew the Roy family very well. Her father was a commercial artist for Sonny Boy Bread. He arranged to be introduced to her by a mutual friend. They later married at St. Louis Church on May 31, 1948, and had two children, Roy and Lise. They enjoyed a loving family life until she passed away in 1987. His pet name for his wife was “H. Roy.”

Always an entrepreneur, Rosaire founded the St. Louis Federal Credit Union on the second floor of his home in 1953 at 9 Broad St. in New Auburn. His 3-year-old son, Roy, became the proud recipient of Passbook No. 1. Rosaire helped many young families secure loans for appliances, homes, cars and their children’s education. He was a family man and knew the hardships young families faced in those early years. He was always looking for ways to better his family and those families around him. His legacy at the St. Louis Federal Credit Union lives on as it has branched into two locations under a new name, the Great Falls Federal Credit Union, one in Lewiston and another in Auburn.

Gregarious and outgoing, Rosaire was never at a loss for words and enjoyed people and telling his stories, sprinkled with his ever-present sense of humor. His specialty was the one-liners featuring his “play on words.” Although brusque and direct, people knew he was honest and always knew where they stood with him. Family and friends knew his sentimental side.

He had a great work ethic and discovered a unique niche for himself in 1958 by founding Atlas Supply Corp. at 47 Lincoln St., Lewiston; a family-owned heating supply company, now in its third generation of family members. His earlier training in sheet metal work stood him in good stead. Atlas Supply was not just a business, but an extension of himself. In owning the business, he could be himself and serve the public as he felt they should be served. He loved interacting with people and helping customers solve their problems.

Early on, he treated his customers like family, calling them by name and giving back a little more in the transaction than they had agreed upon. His customer service reputation was impeccable, customer oriented with direct and friendly service. No job was too small. Someone would always be there to offer prompt and caring service and help with their projects.

Atlas Supply Corp. is the only local, independent, family-owned business for heating supplies. When Rosaire retired, his daughter, Lise LaFontaine Lothrop, assumed ownership and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Lothrop. was manager. His grandson, Alan Lothrop, also works in the business. Rosaire had a great-grandson, Samuel Lothrop, 6 years old and the apple of his eye, in the first grade.

Several years into his retirement, he lived above the business and kept an eye on how things were going. Rosaire designed the second-floor executive office and his comfortable apartment with custom-made woodwork and milling. A spectacular, gently curving staircase designed by Rosaire leads to his apartment. He was happy to enjoy the business and his family at close range. Having more time at his disposal, he enjoyed the daily crossword puzzles and reading history books.

He is survived by his son, Roy LaFontaine of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; his daughter, Lise Lothrop, and son-in-law, Jeffrey Lothrop, of Auburn; his grandson, Alan Lothrop, and wife, Maria Lothrop, and their son, Samuel, of Mechanic Falls; and a brother, Richard LaFontaine of New Auburn.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.