Leonel Marcotte

Leonel (Lee) F. Marcotte, 85, a former bank President of Sanford Institution for Savings died Thursday, February 25th in Kennebunk, Maine following a courageous battle with cancer. Lee was born and educated in Manchester, New Hampshire graduating from Central High School and New Hampshire School of Accounting and Finance where he attained a senior accountant certificationHe enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a flight cadet but due to the long wait for flight training, Lee qualified for aerial gunnery school and became an armament gunner in all B-17 turrets and gun positions. He served with the 8th Air Force in England completing 25 missions that qualified him for the prestigious Lucky Bastards Club. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation. Upon his return to the states, he completed his service as a gunnery instructor.In 1945 Lee married Edith Hache of Manchester and three years later joined Merchants Acceptance Corporation. In 1949 he was promoted to manage a new office in Sanford, Maine and remained in that position until 1969 when he joined Sanford Institution for Savings as Assistant Treasurer. He became a Trustee of SIS in 1973, was elected President and CEO in 1975 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1988. His 40-year career with SIS ended in 2009 when he retired as a Trustee. Lee led the bank in establishing the Springvale Branch, greatly expanding the Loan and Investment portfolios and developing a vision for future growth. SIS has evolved into one of the most prominent and successful financial institutions in Southern Maine. Lee was involved in numerous community projects, charitable programs and civic activities. He served as United Way Chairman, Director of the Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Sanford Board of Appeals, a Sanford Town Meeting Member and a Director of the Savings Bank Association of Maine. He was also a member of many organizations including life member of Sanford Lodge of Elks, member and Director of Sanford Town and Country Club, Sanford Lions Club, VFW, DAV, American Legion and the 94th Bomb Group Association. In addition to his financial career, Lee created Leedys Restaurant in Alfred. Edith G. Marcotte, his beloved wife and companion for more than 64 years survives him. Together they enjoyed many years raising their family, celebrating with their children, grand children and great grand children, traveling and enjoying the beaches and lakes of Maine and New Hampshire. His son Lt. Gen. Ronald C. Marcotte USAF (ret.) and wife Ruth of Ft Myers, Florida, daughters Diana Joyner and husband Robert of Ogunquit and Susan Titus and husband John of Sanford; six grand children, Ryan and Randall Marcotte, Kristen Matzkin, Tara Morin, Michael and Jamie Bshara; and, 11 great grand children also survive him. We will all miss his love of family, wit, charm and high-spirited presence at our family gatherings.His sister Pauline Wagner survives him. His parents, Sylvio and Valida Marcotte and his brother Roy Marcotte predeceased him.The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs at Huntington Common communities for the love, laughter and comfort they provided to Lee in his final months.Visiting hours will be Wednesday, March 3rd from 4 to 7 P.M at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A funeral Mass will be held at ST. Therse of Lisieux Parish-Holy Family Church at 9:30 A.M. Thursday, March 4th . Following the funeral mass committal prayers and military honors will be rendered at the St. Ignatius Cemetery Chapel. Burial will be later this spring at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Suite 300, topsham, Maine 04086To leave the family a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.