AUBURN – Girard Pelletier, of 65 Grove St., Lewiston, passed away at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice in Auburn, on Sunday, July 30.

He was born in Lewiston on April 27, 1918, to Amanda Morneau Pelletier and John Pelletier. He attended local schools, was an Army veteran of World War II, and a life member of American Legion Post 676.

On April 22, 1944, he married Rita Lavoie, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage until her passing on May 20, 1997.

In 1946, Girard built their home on the corner of Grove Street and Pond Road, using glass blocks for the living room window. The window was lighted with a Christmas tree for many years, and is still remembered by passersby.

Girard was employed in local mills and shoe shops as a maintenance supervisor and millwright. He was a wizard of machinery and built a home shop with many inventive tools and machines.

Until his recent illness, he enjoyed driving and maintaining his yellow 1984 Cadillac hardtop.

He is survived by a daughter, Anita Fournier-Drake of Lewiston and her husband, Robert; a son, Lionel and wife, Linda Pelletier, of Albany, Ga.; and four grandchildren, Gina and Kevin Fournier, and Adam and Daniel Pelletier.

He was predeceased by his sister, Rose Pelletier.