Joseph A. Lemay

Joseph Alcide Wilfred Lemay, 78, of Lebanon, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2014 with his daughter and sister at his side Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was one day shy of his 79th birthday. Joseph was born in Sanford, Maine on January 4, 1935 to Wilfred A. and Florence Guillemette Lemay. "Cid", as his friends and family called him, was very proud of his nine years of service in the US Army, of which he was honorably discharged in 1962 as Armor Specialist, E-4. During his time in the service he was awarded many safety awards, as well as a marksman's ribbon and oak leaf cluster for rifle and pistol. After his discharge, Cid returned home and began work at what was then known as Davidson Rubber Co., finishing automobile interior parts. He worked there as a quality assurance technician until his retirement at the age of 65. After he retired he worked for many years at the University of Southern Maine- Springvale, doing classroom setup, maintenance and serving as a jack of all trades. Cid was an avid hunter, fisherman and firearms enthusiast. As a result, he spent countless hours in the fields, sharing this quality time and creating memories with his son, daughter, nephews and brothers. In the fall it was hunting at the Deering hunting grounds, in the summer, fishing at Branch Brook and other local fishing hot spots. Cid was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and volunteered his time and expertise on guns and ammunition at local gun shows as part of his membership in the North Berwick Rod and Gun Club.Blessed with a very large family, he enjoyed attending every family outing, barbecue and Christmas party held throughout the years, making a point of seeing and talking to everyone in attendance. Religiously, before the sun would rise, he would ride his little red truck and take short trips to Gerrish Bridge in Lebanon where he would feed mallard ducks and see wildlife crossing the bridge while enjoying the beauty of nature.For many years, his love of fireworks brought him to his son's home in Northwood, ND for its Fourth of July celebration. There, Cid, with his son and daughter by his side, would "wow" the locals for an entire week as the honorary fireworks "hooligan" and master of ceremonies for the entire town. In the midst of all of these activities, he enjoyed discussing politics, telling hunting stories and outlining his philosophy on life. He would discuss with his daughter different plants and trees that grow in gardens and in the Maine woods and different birds that would come to his birdfeeder. Cid was a simple man who had many talents. He enjoyed cross stitching, embroidery, building balsa wood model aircraft and even made a few doll houses. Many mornings, you would find him at the local hangout, Sunnyside Cafe in Springvale having coffee at the "Table of Knowledge". His seat will be empty now, but his contagious smile, skilled storytelling, and sense of humor will live on in his friends' and family's hearts and memories. Joseph is predeceased by his first wife Elizabeth, his son Curtis, his brothers Lionel and Richard, and his mother and father. Surviving are his daughter, Katherine (Michael Travis) of Shapleigh ME; his son, Chadwick (Maria) of Northwood, ND; his sisters Majella Provencher of Springvale and Celine (Ralph Lariviere) of Biddeford; his brothers, John (Loretta) of Springvale, Louis of Clearwater, FL, Bernard (Karen) of Sanford and David (Donna) of Greenville, SC; his grandchildren James, Erin, Nyssa, and Josette; his great grandchildren Jacob, Abigail, Phoebe; as well as many nieces and nephews too numerous to list.A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 21 at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery located on Stanley Road in Springvale.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 180 US Route One, #l, Scarborough, ME 04074; 1(866) 621-7600.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.