LEWISTON, Maine - Romeo J. Corriveau , 92, formerly of 41 Mary
St., Lewiston, passed away peacefully at d'Youville Pavilion on Oct. 18.
He was born in Lewiston, Aug. 16, 1915, the son of Joseph and Virginie Dubois
Corriveau. In 1940, he married the love of his life, Theresa St. Hilaire, who
predeceased him in 1985.
He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Neshoba APA 216 on deployment to Hawaii
and Guam, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After an honorable discharge, he
joined the Lewiston Fire Department and remained until his retirement, after 25
years of service.
Having been stationed at the Lincoln Street Sub Station for many of those years,
he became a real friend to many neighborhood children who were drawn to him
because of his sense of humor and generosity and to this day, speak very highly
of him. He was the Santa Claus at Peck's Department Store in the early to
mid-1950s.
He will be remembered by all for his storytelling. He loved to make people
laugh. Even to the end, he managed to keep his sense of humor with his
caregivers at d'Youville.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have fond memories of their
"Pepere" bouncing them on his knee as babies to his own version of
"Turkey in the Straw."
With great anticipation, he looked forward to the birth of his
great-great-grandson, Britton Romeo West.
He was the oldest surviving member of the Pastime Club. Many club members will
recall how difficult it was to win a card game with him.
He loved the sport of boxing. In the 1930s, he joined a boxing club with which
he traveled around New England, boxing under the alias of "Young
Delaney." His photo is on display at Graziano's Restaurant in Lisbon. He
was thrilled and proud that his great-grandson, Joey Lever, is taking up the
sport and together they plotted and schemed moves to disconcert any opponent.
Survivors are two daughters, Joan Villani and husband, Ramon, of Lewiston and
Joyce Underwood and husband, Ranford Ali, of Jupiter, Fla.; four grandchildren,
Jennifer Lever of Goffstown, N.H., Barbara Villani of Leeds, Dana Villani of
Minot and Jeannie Kauper of Sutton, Mass.; 10 great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; and one brother, Roland Corriveau of Lewiston.
He was predeceased by his wife, Theresa; a grandson, Ramon (Bud) Villani;
sisters, Yvonne Belgard and Irene Guimond; and a brother, Leo Corriveau.
The family wishes to thank the staff on 4 East, at d'Youville, for the wonderful care Romeo received for the past two years.