AUBURN — Ronald M. Croteau, 68, of Lewiston passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Androscoggin Home & Hospice House on Easter morning, April 16.

He was born in Lewiston, July 27, 1948, the son of Maurice and Solange Blais Croteau. He attended Holy Cross Elementary and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1966. He graduated from the Auburn Maine School of Commerce in 1968, majoring in business administration and was president of the Student Council.

Ronald made his start at Arrow-Hart Electronics in Lewiston during the early ’70s, working his way up to plant manager within two years at age 26. During that same time, he also taught industrial engineering at night at the previous Auburn Community College. From there, he made a career in the automobile business and never looked back. He started as a salesman at Marcotte Chevrolet in Auburn, which later became Paul Cantin Chevrolet. He almost quit as it took him a few weeks to sell his first automobile — but the following month, he was salesman of the month and quickly became sales manager, then general manager. He was a natural salesperson and loved making the deal. He then moved on to Flock Buick in Auburn and was named sales manager of New England for two consecutive years. He also worked at Clark Buick VW in Augusta. He retired as general manager from Viking Motors of Oxford in 2001. He then focused on real estate and spent more time with his family and friends.

He enjoyed traveling, working on his real estate, reading and eating out, especially at Bates College. He was a very hard worker and enjoyed putting in long hours to get any job done. He never took no for an answer and that is how he proceeded to the end. He loved going to the ocean, eating seafood and staying at his property in Wells.

He is survived by his fiancee and soul mate, Mary Jane Bishop of Farmingdale; his son, Brian R. Croteau and wife, Caroline, of Poland; grandson, Brendon Croteau; granddaughter, Shelby Carter; and Kitty, his crazy cat.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Norman Croteau of Turner; and son, Scott Croteau of Lewiston.

The family would like to thank Central Medical Center’s medical staff and oncology unit and the Androscoggin Home and Hospice for the exceptional care they provided.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

Ronald M. Croteau

Ronald M. Croteau