SOUTH PARIS – Lester M. Deane, 89, of Jay, died peacefully on Sunday Jan. 1, 2023, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris.
He was the eldest of Milton and Louise (Tweedie) Deane. Lester graduated from Jay High School and enlisted in the United States Army, serving the 82nd Airborne Division from April 23, 1953 until June 2, 1955 when he was honorably discharged.
When he returned to his hometown of Jay, he married Jill Fournier on Nov. 11, 1955.
Lester was employed for 33 years by International Paper Co. and also for Ranor, and the Jay Police Dept. He served as a selectman for the Town of Jay for two years. He was a lifetime member of the AMVETS, a 3rd Degree Knight, KC; and a former member and past officer of the Jay/Livermore Hunting Club. He was an avid outdoorsman with a deep love for the Moosehead Lake area; especially the “Pineau” Camp in Northeast Carry, which he helped build in the 1960’s. He enjoyed family vacations and years of hunting and fishing trips with family and friends until his last hunting trip at the age of 84. The lake will always hold special memories for our family.
He is loved by his wife of 67 years, Jill, of Jay; their four children: Diana Deane Boivin of Jay; Robert (Mary Beth Del Monaco) Deane of Smithfield; Donna Deane Durrell(Robert Durrell) of Livermore; and Richard Deane (Shelley Wing) of Beaver Cove; grandchildren: Jenny Boivin, Brian Boivin, Amy Boivin Wotring (Raymond); Dr. Courtenay Deane(Dr. Andrew Loveitt); Hillary Deane (Sean Pearson); Thomas Durrell(Bethany); Michael Durrell(Jennifer); Annika King(Caleb); Amanda Dumont(Doug); Emily Deane(Donny Kelley) 8 great-grandchildren: two brothers: James Deane of Holden, MA. And Sterling Deane (Linda) of Livermore; sister-in-law. Sally Deane of Jay; sister-in-law, Anne Cyr and brother-in-law, Adrian (Rita) Fournier; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Louis Deane and Ronald Deane, Sr., sister Sylvia (Deane) Ridley and brother-in-law, Stephen Ridley; and sister-in-law Diane (Dow)Deane.
Memories and condolences may be shared in his Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday Jan. 10 at 11 A.M. from St. Rose of Lima Church, Jay. Following Mass, all are welcome to attend a comfort reception at LaFleur’s Restaurant, Rte.4, Jay. Public memorial graveside services with full military honors will be held in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery, Livermore Falls. His family suggests that remembrance gifts be given to the Parish Social Ministry Fund in care of Saint Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church St., Jay, ME 04239.
Services are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center, 308 Franklin Rd., Jay.