Wilfred J. Belanger

RUMFORD – Wilfred J. Belanger, 101, of Rumford, passed away Tuesday morning February 7, 2023, at the Rumford Community Hospital with his wife at his side. He was born in Rumford July 27, 1921, son of Henry and Marie-Ann (Lemieux) Belanger. Wilfred was educated in Rumford schools, graduated from Stephens High School and remained a lifelong resident of the community. In 1942 he was drafted by the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II in the 25th Photo Reconnaissance in Australia, New Guinea, Philippines, and Japan earning numerous commendations until his Honorable Discharge in 1945.

June 23, 1962, he married the love of his life Jeanne Bastarache of Canada and together they settled back in Rumford to raise their family. Wilfred worked 42 years in the Rumford paper mill until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of the VFW, The American Legion and a very active lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus earning the prestigious rank of 4th degree knight participating in church and community activities. Wilfred was a man of great faith and supported his church in many ways, including teaching CCD classes for many years. He greatly enjoyed world history, reading, and politics.

He and his wife traveled extensively having visited dozens of countries by plane, train, and automobile. Spare time was spent on projects around the house and family camp on Webb Lake where he was known for his large garden and where all were welcome.

He was a caring, loving, devoted, and hardworking husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 60 years Jeanne, daughter Ann Macro and husband Dennis, grandsons Steven and Patrick Macro and wife Tiffany of Harrison, son Dale of Portland, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Clarice Belanger, Eva Mae Bernard, Pauline Lyons, brothers Victor Belanger and Maurice Belanger.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford Friday May 5, at 12 p.m. At his prior request, there is no visitation.

Interment will take place at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Augusta at a later date.

To leave a message for the family in their online guestbook, please visit http://www.thibaultremembrancecenter.com

A service of The Thibault Remembrance Center, 250 Penobscot St. Rumford, 364-4366.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilfred’s memory may be made to Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice,

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240

or at http://www.androscoggin.org