Alex J. Potvin, of Augusta, formerly from Waterville, passed away Jan. 6, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta surrounded by his family. He was just a few hours short of his 97th birthday. Alex was born Jan. 7, 1913 in New Canada Plantation, the son of Bruno and Elise (Saucier) Potvin. His education ended at age 12 because he was needed to work on his father’s potato farm. He worked with his father until he was drafted into the service on March 12, 1941. He served in Normandy, France and the Philippines until Dec. 10, 1945.
On Oct. 31, 1950, he married Rita Nadeau in Clair, N.B. Together they raised six children on their farm in Searsmont.
Alex was predeceased by 12 brothers and sisters, Josephel, Egline, Ernest, August, Livite, Palmere, Zenon, Maria, George, Joseph; two infant sisters; and a cousin who was like a brother to him, Edmund Potvin.
Alex is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita of Newcastle; sons, Paul and wife Judy of Augusta, Philip and wife Cindy of Searsmont, Michael and wife Joan of Winchendon, Mass., David and wife Teresa of Belmont, and Richard and wife Pamela of Hemet, Cal.; daughter, Rina and husband Richard Ripley of Newcastle; sister, Jeanette Valade of Waterville; grandchildren, Andrew and wife Anca, Angela Potvin, Justin and partner Patty Cruz, Brad and wife Kim Peters, Corey and partner Sheanna Peters, Amy and husband Chris Patterson, Jonathan and Matthew Potvin, Michael and his wife Monica Potvin, Devon and wife Courtney, Jamie and wife Heather Potvin and Sarah and Jared Potvin; and six great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Fri., Jan. 8 at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. Funeral mass 11 a.m., Sat., Jan. 9 at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville. Burial at the Maine Veterans Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Veilleux Funeral Home, Waterville.