GARDINER – Louis Joseph Pelletier, 93, of Gardiner, Maine, passed away peacefully at the Togus Springs Hospice Center in Chelsea, Maine on May 28, 2023.

Born on February 20, 1930, in Augusta, Maine, Louis was the third oldest of 14 children. As a young man, he worked alongside his father and brothers on their family farm, hauling lumber and instilling within him the value of hard work. This strong work ethic would later equip him with the skills and determination to construct a family home from the ground up, a testament to his labor of love that now provides his wife Barbara with comfort and solace.

Louis’ life took a significant turn when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, honorably serving during the Korean War. Upon his return, he entered a new chapter of his life, marrying his sweetheart, Barbara, on July 2, 1954. Their love story spanned an amazing 69 years. During this time, Louis became a foreman at Hazard Shoe and later Taylor Shoe, earning the respect and admiration of his co-workers as a beloved boss, a title that carried many “best boss” accolades. Louis continued his journey at Bath Iron Works, where he spent his remaining working years before retiring.

Louis was a devoted husband, a loving father to their children Mark, Julie, Tammy, and Tim, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Gardiner, Maine.

Known for his amazing sense of humor, Louis loved to joke and tease. He had a profound love for his family and enjoyed playing frisbee, ping pong, bocce ball, croquet, lawn darts, volleyball, and any other games he could play with his loved ones. He cherished family get-togethers and the fun and laughter they brought. He loved children and would always get down on the floor and play with them, even into his older years. He touched the lives of everyone he met with his kindness and overall loving personality. His pride in his Army service was evident to all who knew him.

Louis is survived by his wife Barbara, 89; son Mark and his wife Sheila; daughter Julie; daughter Tammy and her partner Kevin; and son Tim and his wife Bethany. He is also survived by his siblings Stella, Clarence, Peter, Billy, Anita, Ervin, and Tilly. He was predeceased by his siblings Norman, Harvey, Bobby, Eva, Rita, and Edmund.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated June 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gardiner. A burial with Full Military Honors will follow at 1 p.m. at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

As we mourn his passing, we find comfort knowing that Louis is now going ahead of us to build a new house in heaven, just as he did here on earth.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Togus Springs Hospice Center, VAVS, 1 VA Center (135), Augusta, Maine 04330, where Louis received excellent care in his final days.

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