1919 – 2014

AUBURN — Lionel A. “Sonny” Robitaille, 95, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 11, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

He was born in Lewiston on June 2, 1919, a son of the late Joseph and Azelie Castonguay Robitaille. He was educated in Lewiston schools and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was married on Jan. 5, 1946, to Florianne Desfosses.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a machinist at Phillips Elmet. He was a lifelong member of the Prince of Peace Parish at Holy Cross Church.

He enjoyed plowing snow and mowing his enormous lawn with his John Deere, gardening and music. Lionel was an avid musician and opened up several radio stations as a member of the band Curly & His Country Boys and Betty Coty, in which he played the banjo. He always called his loved ones on birthdays and anniversaries to play “Happy Birthday” and “The Anniversary Waltz” on his harmonica.

He was the beloved husband to the love of his life, Florianne (Desfosses) Robitaille; the loving father to Ronald Robitaille and wife, Monique, the late Helen Bichrest, Rachel Provencher, Monique Meau and husband, Jeffrey, and Suzanne Fleming; the cherished grandfather of Kelly Provencher Shaw and Cindy, Michael Bichrest and wife, Carmen, James Artz and wife, Megan, Gina Wilson and husband, Gary, Lisa Provencher, the late Melissa Artz and Gregory Provencher; and the devoted great-grandfather to Alyssa, Andrew and Alec Wilson, Helena Bichrest, JD, Jacob and Madeline Artz and Cameron Provencher Shaw. He is also survived by one sister, Muriel Begert of Lewiston; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by five brothers and two sisters.

Some say the quality of a person’s life is measured by the love that surrounds him; viewed by this perspective, Lionel had a truly rich life and will be missed beyond words.

Special thanks to all the wonderful and compassionate people who cared for our dad.

You are invited to share your condolences with the Robitaille family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.