Albert R. “Bert” Sylvain

LEWISTON – Albert R. “Bert” Sylvain, 79, of Lewiston, passed away on Tuesday May 28, 2024 with loved ones by his side. He bravely fought but lost his battle to cancer. Bert was born on Feb. 16, 1945 in Lewiston to Albert J. Sylvain and Lucia E Bannister.

He attended Saint Joseph’s Grammar School and Lewiston High School. After graduating he served in the National Guard. He worked for many years with his father Al, who owned Alco Repair Service installing windows, doors, roofing and siding and renovating lake camps.

He married Mary Vye and they raised five children, two of them being his step children. Bert was predeceased by his parents Albert and Lucia and sweet stepdaughter Maureen Ray. Survivors include a daughter Shanna Breton and her partner Ed Rabasco of Poland, daughter Misty Michel of Greene, son Patrick Sylvain of Minot, and son Carl Grady and wife Megan of Ohio; stepson Butch Irish and his wife Lisa of Greene; sister Lorette Hampton and husband Dan and their children, Dan, Kristine, and Marc; grandchildren Nicholas, Nathan, Taylor, Logan, Jacob, Kyra,Tucker, Elias, Evie, Angelena, Kendra, Matthew, Joshua, long time friend and mother of Carl, Rachel Grady; several great grandchildren, cousins and many cherished friends.

After retiring Bert found his life purpose. He became involved in the Prison Ministry at the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn. Through the association with Prince of Peace Ministry and the Maine Reentry Network he offered religious support to prisoners. He listened to their stories with compassion and continued correspondence with some of them after their reentry into more positive living. Later he became involved in helping children of prisoners and together with friends they started a state group advocating for the children until he became too ill to participate.

He was devoted to the Lord and helping those in need.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 5 from 9 – 10:30 at Funeral Alternatives, 25 Tampa St. Lewiston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at STS. Peter and Paul Basilica, Ash St. Lewiston at 11 a.m.