Jules Louis Frenette

SOUTH PORTLAND - Jules Louis Frenette, 83, died on April 17, 2013 in Scarborough with his family by his side. He was born in Quebec City, Canada on April 26, 1929, the son of Emile and Leda (Bolduc) Frenette. Jules grew up in St. George and St. Martin, Canada. As a teenager, he worked as a migrant worker in the potato fields in Aroostook County, but he never picked a potato. The farmer and his wife quickly realized that Jules had talents that could be better used as a painter to paint their barn, instead of spending the day in the fields. He also worked in logging camps in the Stratton and Jackman areas. With his father, Jules went to work as a cook at a POW camp on Spencer Mountain, and arrived to the camp the day after the last German POW had left. Living in St. Martin, as a young man, Jules met his future wife, Leonie P. Nadeau while playing baseball. He would always pick Leonie to be on his team, even though she was not the best player. They were married on April 18, 1949. Together they had three children. Jules often took the family hunting, but it was used as more as an excuse to spend time together then to shoot deer. In fact, Jules never did kill any deer. In 1957, Jules and his family moved to the United States. Jules was a skilled carpenter/builder. He was self-employed and retired in 1991 at the age of 62. From 1992 to 2000, Jules drove Leonie to Ormond Beach, FL, where they would spend their winters. Jules loved to tell stories, and could keep anyone entertained for hours. He also enjoyed spending time in his garden growing tomatoes. In addition to his parents, Jules is predeceased by his daughter, Rita Colucci in 1992; and his brother, Lucien Frenette. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years and best friend, Leonie; two sons, Guy Frenette and wife Carole of South Portland, and Benoit Frenette and wife Viola of Buxton; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one step-great grandchild; two brothers, Roger Frenette and wife Jacqueline, and Robert Frenette and wife Jacqueline both of Quebec City; and sister-in-law, Marguerite Frenette. Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 pm on Sunday, April 21, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 am, Monday, at the chapel, followed by a 10 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church, 611 Main St., South Portland. Interment will be private in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.