PORTLAND — Philip B. Pasquale, of Bedford, Mass., formerly of Watertown, Mass., and Lewiston, passed away on Thursday, March 1.

One of three triplets, she was born Nov. 29, 1925. They were the first set of triplets born in the state of Maine. From the day the triplets were born in Lewiston, they were inseparable, swimming, skating, walking to school together. Anthony built Philip a soapbox which they named “Comet.” They entered it in the derby that year and Philip won first place.

The Pasquale children made up “The Fireside Quartet” — Gloria composing music and playing the piano, Anthony on the guitar, Alma singing and Philip playing the accordion. They played in theaters throughout Maine and had a 15-minute radio show twice a week on WCOU in Lewiston. They performed at the Blaine House for the governor and at the State Museum. The Fireside Quartet won first place in the “All State Stage Contest” in Brunswick in 1941. They went to New York City to audition for the Major Bowes Amateur Hour radio show and made it through the first audition.

After the triplets graduated from Lewiston High School, the family moved to Montford Street in Boston. The country was at war and their father had the boys join the Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. This would be the first time the triplets would be apart from one another. Philip went to radio school and finished first in his class. Philip was soon stationed on the USS Auburn as a radioman 2nd class, which was a floating command center in the Pacific. Philip fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima in Japan and the Battle of Okinawa. The family would soon understand the price that Philip had paid. He began fighting his battle within himself. From this day forward his brother, Anthony, would be Philip’s guide and protector. After the war ended Philip would travel throughout the United States, living on the streets or cars or sleeping on the ground looking at the stars.

Philip settled in Watertown, Mass., and called it his home for 40 years. He attended St. Patrick’s Parish every day. When Philip’s health declined in his later years he moved to the Veterans Home in Bedford, Mass., for over 10 years.

We are very grateful for the care he received there. The last time the triplets were together was on their 90th birthday. They were the oldest living triplets living in the United States. Last Thursday, March 1, it was a beautiful sunny day, in the 60s when Philip passed away. Philip, you are finally at peace.

Philip was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Annie (Ayotte) Pasquale; sisters, Gloria Seabrook, and his triplet sister, Alma P. Locke. He is survived by his triplet brother, Anthony Pasquale of Burlington, Mass.; nephews John Seabrook and Richard Locke; and nieces, Elizabeth Bontly, Judith McBrayer, Kathy Schmigle, Katie Brunault and Elaine Druggan.

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