LEWISTON — Ernest A. Pleau Jr., age 84, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, at Marshwood Center, following a lingering illness.

He was born Jan. 31, 1933, a son of Ernest and Yvonne (Chouinard) Pleau. Ernest was educated in local schools and remained a lifelong resident of this community.

He was a member of Holy Family Church and in his younger years, he was involved in the closed retreat movement with the Oblate Fathers, Cursillo, the Blue Army and was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ernest was a faithful and devoted member of Holy Family Parish and the parish Booster Club, where he was involved with his childrens’ sports activities. Ernest served his country for a number of years in the National Guard of Maine and served on the board of Lewiston Public Works. He was elected as alderman of Ward 4 for 10 years and served as president of the City Council for four years.

Ernest owned and operated the family painting business for 30 years, working along side his sons until he retired. He enjoyed spending time playing dice and cards with family and friends.

His wit and sense of humor will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his children, Gerald Pleau and wife, Gaetane, of Lewiston, Lorraine Burnham and husband, Harold, of Weatherford, TX, John Pleau and wife, Connie, of Lewiston, Annette Nadeau and husband, Michael, of Sabattus and Claire Labonte and husband, Mark, of Greene; the mother of his children, Therese (Sirois) Pleau; 13 grandchildren, Audrey, Alex, Anthony, and Abigail Pleau, Kathy and Mike Pleau, Michelle, Matthew, Christopher, and Benjamin Nadeau and John, Renee and Rebecca Dumais; 15 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Carmen Veilleux, Jacqueline Doucette and Jeanette Madore; one brother, Raynald Pleau; and many nieces and nephews.

Ernest was predeceased by two sisters, Cecile Pleau and Yvonne Rousseau, and two brothers, Robert and Roland Pleau.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with his family by visiting their online guestbook at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

Ernest A. Pleau Jr.