Nelson Binette

LEWISTON – Nelson Binette, 81 of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Feb. 14, 2024, following a brief illness. Nicknamed “Nelly” as a child by his family, he was born at home in Sabattus in 1942 to the late Irving and Almanda (Michaud) Bennett.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Rose Burnham and Rita Woodbury. “Nel”, as he was known to his friends, married the love of his life Florence (Martel) Binette in 1963 and they spent 58 years together prior to her passing in 2021.

He is survived by his three children, daughters Denise Jorgenson (John) of Winston Salem, N.C., Diane Frank (Andrew Cyr) of Lewiston, and son, Daniel Binette (Aimee) of Lewiston; five grandchildren, Dianna Tesh (Dwayne) of Walkertown, N.C., Nicholus Frank of San Diego, Calif., Shawn Jorgenson of Winston Salem, N.C., Noah Binette of Lewiston, Danielle Binette of Bath; and three great-grandchildren, Branco Shallo, Ethan Hendrix, and Davin Tesh of Walkertown, N.C.

Nel enlisted in the Army in 1959 and served his country until October 1967. He joined the Army National Guard in 1974 earning the rank of First Sergeant and retired in 1994 as a Master Sergeant. He also served in the American Legion (Post 135) for 54 years and received an award in 2020 for 50 continuous years, where he served as Post Commander.

He was a retired IBEW Union member (local 567) who spent most of his civilian career as a Master Electrician. He retired during the decommissioning of the Maine Yankee Power Plant in 2005 after 20 years.

Nel loved NASCAR (his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt), travelling, spending summers camping at his second home at Range Pond, riding his Harley and the company of his sweet dog Poppet.

He loved his country and his family fiercely and those who knew him will miss his great sense of humor and his giant personality.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal” -Anonymous

Nel will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 23 at 1 p.m. at St. Peters Cemetery following a Military Funeral Honors Service. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of life gathering at the American Legion, Post 135 in Sabattus.

Arrangements by the Pinette Dillingham and Lynch Funeral Home 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway in Lewiston, 784-4023. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.lynchbrothers.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations

to be made to the

American Cancer Society

in his memory.