Joseph Provost

BRIDGTON — Joseph “Buddy” Provost, 83, of Bridgton, died unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at his residence in Bridgton.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1931, in Meriden, Conn., a son of Philip Provost of Skowhegan and Elizabeth (White) Provost of Moncton, Canada. In his early years he attended Skowhegan schools and later moved to the North End of Boston, Mass., where he worked as an assistant to a local landscaper.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he enlisted in Oct. 14, 1948, serving during the Korean Conflict in Germany, and was honorably discharged in June 16, 1952, with a Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his return from the service, Buddy moved to the Everett/Malden area of Mass., and later the Peabody, Mass., area. He worked at various shoe-related manufacturing facilities including Duchess Shoe Manufacturing in Salem, Lawrence Leather Manufacturing, and Barry Shoe Manufacturing, in Lynn.

He retired after 43 years in the industry, moving to Bridgton in May of 2002, to be closer to his granddaughter, daughter, and son-in-law.

He received a Certificate of Nomination for Honorable Service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and for outstanding service and loyalty to the U.S.A. for membership in the American Legion. He has been an avid supporting member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He enjoyed ice-skating, bowling, building model airplanes, and constantly tinkering with electronic devices.

His surviving family includes his granddaughter, Felicia B. McDonald of Taos, N.M.; his daughter, Lindamarie M. McDonald of Santa Fe, N.M.; his son-in-law, Keith McDonald of Bridgton, whom he was very fond of as a son; his uncle, Arthur Provost (born in June 1914), who resides in Skowhegan; a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Hunt of Norwich, Conn.; a brother, Anthony (Tony) Provost of Bath; and a brother, David Provost and sister-in-law Barbara, both from Skowhegan. He was grandfather to three grandsons, all from Everett, Mass. Mr. Provost was also known as “Uncle Buddy” to many, many of his nieces, nephews and his four godchildren who reside in Conn., Mass., Maine, N.C., and Fla., whom he loved very, very much, with fond memories at his home by the poolside for family gatherings in Peabody, Mass.

He was predeceased by his only son, Dennis Provost, of Everett, Mass.; three siblings, Frieda (Provost) Everett of Norridgewock, Philip Provost of Moosup, Conn., and Lyndall Provost of Southington/New Britain, Conn.

Memorial graveside services with military honors were held Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014 at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd. Annex, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. Arrangements were in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8 Elm St., Bridgton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com