LEWISTON – Wilfrid “Willie” Sylvio DeBlois of Lewiston passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, after suffering complications from pneumonia. He was 84 years old.

Born on Nov. 12, 1939, in Ste-Marguerite-de-Dorchester in La Nouvelle-Beauce region of Quebec, Willie was the son of Edmond and Marie-Anna (Asselin) DeBlois. One of 12 children, he grew up working on the family dairy farm. His mother, a trained school teacher, encouraged his education, leading Willie to attend college at Université Laval in Quebec.

From these humble beginnings, Willie immigrated to the United States in 1958 as a licensed electrician. In addition to working for several contractors and at the Bates Mill, he took a second job at Lewiston Hardware so he could practice speaking to customers in English, as well as to learn all the English terms for the materials and tools of his trade. He often told the story that the greatest lesson he learned in this job was from the owner who treated his employees well, saying “when the sun shines, it shines on everyone.”

Willie met the love of his life, Gaetane Girard, at a retreat at Saints Peter and Paul Church in 1959. From the time they met, they were always at each other’s side. They married in August of 1963, celebrating 60 years of love, support, and devotion. Willie often said the most important thing in his life was Gaetane.

Willie started his own electrical contracting business, DeBlois Electric, in 1967. Over the years, the business grew from a home-based operation to its current location on Sabattus Street. Willie was known as a gentleman-businessman in town, respected for his business knowledge, his skill as an electrician, his desire to help people, and his pleasant demeanor. He always valued relationships and created a legacy of a family-first culture which continues to this day in the company. He had a strong commitment to our community and quietly supported many local organizations. Through Willie’s leadership, DeBlois Electric continues to honor his legacy in community involvement. Under his mentorship, his sons took over the business and continued the values and culture established by Willie. He was particularly proud that his grandson, Patrick, joined the company, making it three generations. The small company that Willie founded is now one of Maine’s largest and most respected electrical contractors.

Willie was the proud father of three children, Michel “Mitch”, Lisa, and Raymond. He was prouder still when he saw his children find their spouses, Mitch and Peggy (Lafreniere), Lisa and David Eid, and Raymond and Tricia (Callahan). There is no doubt that his proudest family moments were with his six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Carolyne, husband Perry, and son, Cooper Johnson; Ashley and fiancé Nick Keohan; Patrick and Lauren DeBlois; Drew and Danielle Eid.

Aside from his reputation as a leading businessman and proud father, Willie was known locally as a youth hockey coach. He coached the St. Peter’s School hockey teams for years, as well as the Shaw’s travel hockey team.

Willie was a practicing member of Saints Peter and Paul Parish since arriving in the United States. His faith was strong and a beautiful example of devotion. When he lost his beloved daughter Lisa to cancer in 2021, it was his faith that got him through the darkness. The family takes solace in knowing Lisa has taken her father’s hand now in heaven.

Those wishing to pay respects to Willie will have the opportunity on Sunday, March 17 from 2 – 4 p.m. or 7 – 9 p.m. at Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Monday, March 18 at 11 a.m., followed by an internment at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

You may offer your condolences or share you memories at http://www.lynchbrothers.com

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:

St. Martin De Porres Residence

23 Bartlett St.

Lewiston, ME 04240 or:

St. Mary’s Health System

PO Box 7291

Lewiston, ME 04243-7291

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