LEWISTON – Daniel Paul Ouellette, 73, of Lewiston and formerly of Boston, a celebrated Vietnam Veteran, passed away peacefully at home with family and friends by his side on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 2021. He was born on March 23, 1948, to Paul and Helen (Janieiski) Ouellette in Lewiston. Dan grew up in Lewiston and on his grandparent’s farm in Westfield, Mass., where he made many special memories. He attended St Patrick’s Elementary School and St Dom’s High School, graduating from Lewiston High School. In high school Dan played football and was a champion swimmer.

After high school, Dan served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1968-1970. He completed Basic Training, and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Dix and Personal l Management Training at Fort Ben Harrison.

After serving his first tour of duty, in Vietnam his second tour was overshadowed by an unforeseen experience. Dan was aboard a chopper bound for the 25th Infinity Division HQ, in Chu Chi. Dan’s chopper struck a power line and plummeted into the Saigon River. The chopper crashed, and he was the only survivor out of 12 aboard. Dan became a POW and MIA and had been seriously injured in the accident. Dan was found by American troops and he was taken to Japan and later Germany for his recovery. He had suffered a serious brain injury and other troubles that followed him through life. He received an Honorable Discharge from Chelsea Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Mass., on Dec. 7, 1970.

He was awarded: The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star with cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit of Commendation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Badge M-16, Sharp Shooter Badge M-14.

Upon returning home Dan made his home in Boston at West End Place and attended Northeastern University in Engineering. He was greatly respected for his service at the Vietnam Veterans Center in Boston as a Service Rep. He was also employed by the United States Postal Service. Dan also dedicated many hours to the Stand Down program that helped all veterans in Boston and was operated through the V.A. He also set-up apartments for the homeless veteran’s program in Boston.

He was a man who enjoyed his Lottery Tickets each week waiting for the big win. Dan enjoyed watching his New England Teams the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 10019 and the Rev. Peter C. Conroy Assembly 2516 of the 4th degree which he served as a Faithful Navigator.

Dan’s Bucket List was completed when he got to go to the Botanical Garden in Boothbay at Christmas, he enjoyed it so much with all his friends that made it happen.

During his last days with us he asked that a Special Thank You be extended to Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, Beacon Hospice, the nurses he had and aides Crystal, Kayla and Jamie. A special thanks is extended to Norm and Betty Lebel for making the trip from Boston with us and his extended care. It is also extended to the family and friends that supported and provided care for him over the last few years. Mike and Rita Lajoie for their support wherever needed, Bob and Jonell Masse, and Lou and Kathy Bourgoin, for joining him on visits to Helen, his mother in Portland. Germaine Bolduc and Kathy Bourgoin, his right-hand ladies at the end of his life and Rick Brochu his night and week-end coverage when needed.

Dan is survived by his mother, Helen Janisicski Ouellette of The Cedars in Portland, formerly of Lewiston Maine, sisters Pauline Alighieri of Marshfield, Mass., Diane Laroche of Truckee, Calif., Anne Ouellette of Ashland, Mass., and Jean Lacourse of Lewiston, his guardian angel and caregiver, brothers Peter Ouellette and wife Lee, of Napa, Calif., and Michael Ouellette and wife Chris of Auburn. Dan was predeceased by his father, Paul M. Ouellette, brother John and brother-in-law Roger Laroche. Dan also leaves behind several loving nieces and nephews all of whom he loved very much. Dan also loved seeing pictures of his wonderful two great nieces and two Great Nephews that had added much joy in his life.

Dan’s life at the end was surrounded with a lot of love from his friends and family. Dan had a Special Nickname that he was given when he came to Maine that fit him to a tee, it was “Boston Dan” and was given to him by some special people in his life Kelsey, Dominic, Zoe, and Jasmine.

A celebration of Dan’s life will take place at Albert and Burpee Funeral Home, 253 Pine Street, Lewiston, on Saturday, November 20, 11 a.m., with an hour of visitation from 10-11 a.m.

Memories may be shared at http://www.albert-burpee.com.

Donations may be made in Dan’s memory to the Stand Down Program,

New England Center and Home for Veterans,

17 Court St.,

Boston, MA 02108.

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