Robert J. Picard

Springvale, MaineRobert Joseph Picard, 80, of 3A George Street, died peacefully Saturday morning November 20, 2004 at his home following a long illness. He was in the loving care of his caregivers: wife Roberta, her sister Phyllis Lewis, his sister Viola Lamontagne and his niece Cindy Lamontagne. He was born in Springvale September 23, 1924, a son of Norbert and Malvina (Plante) Picard, and had lived here all his life.He attended local schools and at an early age worked at home, cooking and cleaning and caring for his siblings. He then worked at the former Allied Novelty Shoe Shop for several years before being drafted into the Army of the United States in 1943. He served as a heavy machine gunner in the Normandy, Northern France Rhineland Central Europe Campaign and the European African Middle Eastern Theater. He received two Purple Hearts, four Battle Stars and an Oak Leaf Cluster.Upon his discharge in 1945, he returned to Springvale. In 1947 he married Roberta Jones and was married for 57 years. He was employed as a machinist at the former Eastern Plastics for 27 years and retired from the former Brooks Woolen Company in 1982.He was a member of the George E. Poirier Council, Knights of Columbus in Springvale; the Springvale Social Club, and the VFW in Sanford. He was a life long communicant of Notre Dame Church in Springvale.He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Sanford Country Club for over 50 years, where he made seven holes in one during that time. He also made a hole in one at another course some years ago, and he attended a Masters Tournament in Augusta, GA in 1991.Bob enjoyed 40 summers at Mousam Lake where he spent many hours giving his nieces and nephews ski rides on the lake. He was also an avid snow skier and spent many winters skiing at Black Mountain in Jackson, NH. Also, he was a storyteller, which made him one of the favorite uncles to his many nieces and nephews.Besides his wife, he is survived by 3 sisters; Simone Schaeffer of Philadelphia, PA, Viola Lamontange of Sanford and Pauline & Tony Woznicki of Trevose, PA; and 2 brothers; Raymond & Barbara Picard of New Smyrna Beach, FL and Paul Picard of Dover, NH.Relatives and friends may call at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale on Monday November 22, 2004 from 7-9 PM. A funeral mass will be held at 10 AM Tuesday November 23, 2004 at Notre Dame Church, Springvale. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.