Joseph “Ernie” Ernest McPhee

RUMFORD – Joseph “Ernie” Ernest McPhee, 91, died Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at his residence in Rumford with his family by his side. Born in Mexico, Maine, on July 18, 1932, he was a son of Lawrence and Rose Arsenault McPhee. Ernie was a 1951 graduate of Stephens High School in Rumford. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War Era with the military police. After his time in the service, he worked for Boise Cascade Paper Mill (ND Paper) in Rumford for 39 years, working numerous jobs, and retiring as a Roll Grinder Operator. While enjoying his retirement, he worked delivering ambulances for his son-in-law, Bill Gates, at Professional Vehicle Corporation. Ernie was a member of the Napoleon Ouellette Post #24 American Legion and Elks. He especially loved watching his grandchildren play sports.

He was married in Rumford, on April 30, 1956, to Esther Gallant who survives of Rumford. Other survivors include daughter, Sharon Gates of Peru; daughter, Rhonda Sperry and Greg of Washburn; son, Wayne McPhee and Lisa of Rumford; grandchildren and their spouses, Erik and Erika, Kori and Marshall, Nick, Brandy, Shane, Tara and Richard, Tyler and Brittany, Ahmed and Taya, Josh and Kristen, Aaron and Cait, and Zachary and Brianna; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Russell, sons-in-law, Gary Oldham and Bill Gates.

Friends and family are invited to share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com http://www.meaderandson.com. A Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be celebrated 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at the Parish of the Holy Savior St. Athanasius St. John Church, 126 Maine Ave., Rumford. (https://www.google.com/maps/search/126+Maine+Ave,+Rumford,+ME?entry=gmail&source=g).

Interment will be in St John Cemetery in Rumford. Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin St Rumford.

https://www.google.com/maps/search/3+Franklin+St+Rumford,+ME?entry=gmail&source=g



Joseph “Ernie” Ernest McPhee