1927 – 2015

LEWISTON — Chesley “Chet” W. Fournier, 88, a resident of Auburn, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 26, at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, following a brief illness.

He was born in Lewiston, March 23, 1927, the son of William and Dollena (White) Fournier. He was educated at Frye and Jordan schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1944.

Shortly afterwards, Chet decided to serve his country in the U.S. Army and did so for four and a half years. He was a convoy leader in the European Theater during World War II and honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. Chet was a proud veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 22.

In 1949, Chet joined the Lewiston Fire Department, in which he served 46 years, retiring as a lieutenant at the age of 68. The majority of his service was in Engine Company 5 but he also served in the ladder company during his tenure. A hard worker, he held many other positions both at separate times and while being a dedicated firefighter. Among his places of employment were Knapp Shoe in maintenance, Saunders and Blais florists, LA Fuel, J.L. Hayes & Co., and Peck’s department store. He was well-liked by his fellow employees and many others.

On Oct. 4, 1953, he married Therese Scala at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Hackensack, N.J. They were married for 39 years and welcomed three children into their lives.

Chet enjoyed playing sports as a young man and later in life still had a great interest in sports, collecting much memorabilia. He also collected DVDs and was an avid reader. Chet loved animals and had two special dogs, Buster and Brutus, for several years.

Chet is survived by his children, Gina F. Yamatino of South Portland, Gerard O. Fournier of Mount Desert Island, and Christopher Fournier of Carlsbad, Calif. He leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Chet had a very special place in his heart for his “adopted” family, the Levasseurs, Ron, Martha and their children, Kendra and husband, David, and their daughter, Makena, Shaunte, Ben and Kim “Madonna,” who shared their time and home with Chet for several years. He especially loved his pet Lhasa Apsos, Chelsea and Lily.

Chet’s family would like to thank St. Mary’s Wound Center as well as St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion for their professionalism and kindness to Chet during his care visits and his final days.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.