Andrew Joseph Deraspe Sr.

CARMEL – Andrew Joseph Deraspe Sr., of Carmel, Maine, passed away peacefully March 29, 2021, after a bout with cancer. As he dealt with all experiences in life, Andrew managed his illness with strength, grace, and without complaint. Wishing to enjoy his remaining time with family he spent four months roaming the beaches and tropics of Kauai, Hawaii, with his three children, granddaughter and wife despite his illness and a global pandemic.

Drafted into the army, Andrew proudly served in the Vietnam Conflict; a platoon sergeant with the 25th infantry (Triple Deuce). He was combat wounded in the Boi Loi Woods November 1969 and returned home a distinguished veteran receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.

A graduate of NMVTI (Presque Isle), Andrew became an accomplished, self-employed brick and stone mason through his company, AJ Deraspe & Sons. His fireplace and chimneys are indelible examples of his work ethic, stunning skill and contribution to the Maine tradition … unless it was hunting season.

A strapping, laconic man; a true “Mainer,” woodsman and legendary storyteller; kind, charitable, and compassionate in a particular but genuine manner. His handshake told you everything you needed to know. A friend to many of Carmel, Rumford/Mexico and the North Maine Woods.

He was a proudly unlicensed pilot and owner of a float plane. An avid outdoorsman, the forests around Garland Pond, Caucomgomoc and Allagash Lakes were his refuge and as much his home as the log cabin he built for his family. After retirement, he guided big game hunters through Metchin River Outfitters (Labrador, Canada) which he co-owned with friends.

He was surrounded by his wife, Suki Brown, and sons Mathieu (Portland, Ore.) and AJ (Venice, Calif.) during his passing. His daughter, Christa Deraspe McLeod (Kilauea, Hawaii), her husband Marc and granddaughter, Althea Mae were present remotely.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert J. and Beatrice “Honey Bea” (Pocius) Deraspe (Mexico, Maine), his brothers, Danny and Mathew. Survived by siblings, Tommy, Karen, Agatha, Marie, Jackie and Jenny, numerous cousins, beloved nephews and nieces whose love and affection resonated through their relentless support.

His children will be forever grateful to them, the team of caregivers and VA staff for their incredible effort to keep Andrew in his home all those years.

Andrew will be interred at Augusta Veteran’s Cemetery with a full military funeral and a memorial gathering will be later this summer. Arrangements are under the care of Kiley and Foley (Brewer, Maine).