Francis L. Lorette

WINTHROP/AUBURN – Our Dad, Francis, passed away after a brief illness in Lewiston, Maine, on May 31, 2025..

He was born Jan. 12, 1936, in Farmington, Maine, to Edward (Eddie) Lorette and Beatrice (Hovey) Lorette, the youngest of four children. He graduated from Wilton Academy in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart Shirley Neil.

He served four years active duty as a Navy Corpsman and four years inactive duty. He was able to travel to many beautiful places, most notably Greece and Sicily.

He almost pursued a career in Nursing, but with two young children at home he decided that Barber School would be a better fit. They were married for 24 years and raised three children in Winthrop, where Dad had a popular Barber Shop for 50 years. Lorette’s Barber Shop was a social hub and meeting place for many faithful patrons and friends. I’ve heard him referred to as the unofficial “Mayor” of Winthrop. He would often arrive at the shop to a line of people and that’s how it would be most of the day.

Dad knew how to tell a joke better than anyone we knew. He was a very social person and thrived on his many friendships. Even as he outlived his ”old” friends he just developed more and more “young” friendships.

In 1981 Dad married Gloria Halligan (Bohn) and moved to Lewiston. They ended up moving back to Winthrop for 22 years. They were very much in love and were each others rock as they grew old together.

Dad was very Civic minded and was actively involved in many organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Lion’s Club (past “King”), Kora Shriners, Masons, past president of the Maine Democratic Party, and a proud 50 year member of the American Legion. He was able to go to Washington D.C in 2023 through the Honor Flight Maine program. He was very concerned about current politics but did not let that get in the way of his friendships. Dad was a faithful fan of all New England sports teams, especially the Patriots. Upon being discharged from the hospital post pacemaker, he made sure he got a Celtics Championship tee-shirt on the way home.

Dad was predeceased by his three siblings, Angus Lorette, Roberta Baker, and Hazel Pratt (Austin), his first wife Shirley Lorette (Neil), and stepdaughter Linda Halligan.

He is survived by his wife Gloria of 44 years; three children and their spouses Dawna Bailey (Dean), David Lorette (Jennifer), Michele Lorette-Hughes (Michael), stepdaughter Joan Ladakakos (Halligan); seven blended grandchildren; and five blended great grandchildren.

Francis’ visitation will be on June 27 in the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop from 10 a.m. to 12 noon followed by the American Legion Service. Immediately following services there will be a celebration of Francis’ life at the American Legion Post 40 Winthrop. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Francis’ graveside service with military honors will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Blue Star Ave in Augusta on July 2, 2025, at 12 noon.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Robert’s Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Roberts Funeral Home website http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be sent to:

the American Legion

Post 40

Winthrop, ME