Leo Lemieux

PORTLAND — Leo Hilaire Lemieux, 88, passed on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, surrounded by family at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Scarborough.

Leo was the oldest son and the third child of eight, born to Hilaire and Yvonne (Grondin) Lemieux on June 28, 1926, in Berlin, N.H.

He attended Berlin High School and starred in hockey, football and baseball. After graduating from high school in 1944, Leo enlisted in the Navy and served on PT Boat #125 in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Upon returning from the war, he met his future wife and the love of his life, Maria Adams. They were married on Aug. 23, 1947. They eventually settled at 15 Ninth Street, Portland, in 1953, where they raised four children. Family was everything to them. For years, they hosted large Sunday dinners for their growing family. They would rarely miss any of the events of their children and grandchildren. After Maria’s passing 10 years ago, Leo continued as the #1 Fan of his grandchildren.

Leo played semi-pro hockey for the Berlin Maroons. He capped his hockey career in 1954, when the Maroons won the American Hockey Association National Championship in Muskegon, Mich.

Leo worked as a papermaker at S.D. Warren in Westbrook for over 35 years, and proudly served as a Steward for his union.

Leo is survived by his four children: Pam Lemieux of Portland, Ron Lemieux of Cumberland, John Lemieux of Portland and Jim Lemieux of Raymond; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; siblings Simonne Landry of Windham, Marie Roy of Berlin, N.H., and Paul Lemieux of Milan, N.H.

Leo was predeceased by his loving wife Maria; sisters Pauline Lemieux of Berlin, N.H., Jeannette Richer of Westbrook, Rita Abelli of Manchester, N.H., and brother George Lemieux of Berlin, N.H.

Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodfords Street, Portland. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church on Stevens Avenue, Portland, at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. Online condolences can be given at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com

In lieu of flowers, honorary donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/maine