CHINA – We are sad to announce Joseph “Gus” Mathieu, age 96, of China Village (formerly of Waterville) passed away on May 3, 2023 after a short illness. Gus lived independently all but eight weeks of his life.

Surviving Gus is his wife of 72 years, Ann Natasha Nazarchyk Mathieu; and six children and their spouses, Joseph “Joe” Mathieu Jr. (wife, Pam) of Santa Cruz, Calif., Barbara Themo (husband, Steve Themo) of Milford, Mass., James “Jimi” Mathieu (wife, Janice Hallee) of Fairfield Center, John Mathieu (wife, Stacey) of Bath, Jeffrey Mathieu (wife, Karen) of Coatsville, Pa., and Heidi Mathieu (husband Ron Dextraze) from Whitefield, N.H.. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Gus was born in Waterville in 1926, son of David Mathieu and Yvonne Giguere Mathieu, both originally from Quebec, Canada before moving to Waterville. Gus attended elementary school in Waterville, which at the time, was in French. He graduated from Coburn Classical Institute ‘45 in Waterville and earned a degree in textile engineering at New Bedford Textile Institute ’48, now called U. Massachusetts at Dartmouth. It was at college where he met Ann.

Gus worked at Bates Mills in Lewiston as a textile engineer before joining his father’s Auto Body repair business in Waterville, David Mathieu Company. David Mathieu Company eventually became one of the oldest businesses in Waterville, closing its doors in April of 2023 after 95 years of operation.

Gus and Ann raised their six kids in Waterville and spent every summer on China Lake, where they lived full time the last 30 years. They also spent over 25 years in Florida during the winter months, mostly in the Port Charlotte area. Gus well known for his sense of humor, spirit of adventure, community spirit, and generosity to his family. Among his favorite adventures was driving his Model T Ford from Waterville to New Bedford, Mass. and back in 1976. In 1978 he purchased a train caboose and relocated it to the Sugarloaf area, where it still stands. Always up for a challenge, he ran from from Waterville to China Lake (12 miles) when he turned 50 and when he turned 62 hiked West and Avery Peak on the Bigelow Range for the first time on a beautiful Fall day. As a giver to the community, Gus spent time and resources at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen and participated in several community fundraisers.

Aside from his love for adventure, Gus was passionate about restoring antique cars, officiating at Colby College track events, boating on China Lake, eating lobster, volunteering at charities and food banks, and watching his own children’s sports events. He loved fishing, motorcycling, and most of all, family gatherings.

As per Gus’ request no memorial service will be held.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

Cards can be sent to his wife of 72 years; Ann Mathieu, The Woodlands Room 30, 147 West River Road, Waterville, Maine 04901.



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