Passages

Gerard A. Belanger, Daniel K. Chamberlin, Ronald Lapierre

Compiled by Rev. Sue Murphy

Gerard A. Belanger, 94, of Sanford, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. He was born in Sanford on Sept. 8, 1929, the son of Stanislas and Marie Anne (Guillemette) Belanger. He grew up in Sanford and was educated in local schools and was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. Gerard started working at an early age in the shoe shops but soon became a skilled carpenter. Most of his career, he was self-employed and became a true handyman fixing anything and everything. He was always helping his friends and neighbors with their projects and volunteered countless hours at Holy Family Church. Gerard enjoyed playing cards, gardening, bingo, making people laugh, listening to music and singing. He married Marie Thibodeau in 1956 and together they raised three daughters. They were married for 66 years at the time of Marie’s passing in 2022. He is survived by his daughters, Linda Kelly and her husband John of Sanford, Cathy Bergeron and her husband Craig of Ipswich, Mass., and Sandra Desrochers and her husband Norman of Sanford; his eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church on Friday, Jan. 12. Burial will be at St. Ignatius Cemetery in the spring.

Daniel K. Chamberlin, 72, of Sanford died on Jan. 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rochester, N.H., on Aug. 17, 1952. He graduated from Sanford High School in 1970. He went on to James Madison University and graduated in 1978 with a degree in business administration/marketing. All of his life, Daniel had a passion for horses. He helped on the family farm and enjoyed many years spending time with his father and uncle traveling and attending horse auctions. In his youth, he was an active 4-H member and showed horses at Maine and New England horse shows. Over the years, he’d been a member of several organizations relating to the horse industry, serving as both a steward and judge at horse shows throughout New England. Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Patti, daughters Jessica Rodriguez and her husband Jonathan and Amanda Nash and her husband Timothy Nash, both of Sanford, and his four grandchildren, Morgan, Ella, Michael and Sarah Rodriguez, who he loved and was so proud of. He is also survived by his father, George Chamberlin of Alfred and a large extended family. The family had a celebration of life on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the home of David and Betty Guay. A graveside service will be held in the spring. Read his full obituary here.

Ronald Lapierre, 82, died on Dec. 31, 2023, at Summer Commons in Sanford. Ron was born on June 4, 1941, in Sanford to Lucien and Marie Lapierre. He was an inspector at Eastern Plastics and Pratt & Whitney prior to retirement. His greatest joy was playing golf and being a diehard New York Yankees fan. Ron was a member of the Rochester, NH Golf Club and the Sanford Country Club. He is survived by his sons, Steven Lapierre of Berwick and Richard Lapierre of Ft. Myers, Florida, and daughter, Susan Lapierre of Anderson, Indiana; granddaughter, Jennifer O’Brion and two great-grandchildren. Burial will be in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford. Read his full obituary here.

Richard M. MacCormack, 85, died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. He was born in Sanford on Sept. 30, 1938, to John J. McCormack and Pearl Cimino. A lifelong resident of Sanford, he graduated from Sanford High School in 1956. After graduation, he joined the National Guard and worked in the Sanford Mills until his retirement. He drove a taxi for several years and loved talking to everyone around town. Richard had many hobbies, including gardening, antiquing, fishing and traveling around New England, specifically the White Mountains. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, David and James, and wives, Sharon (1998) and Martha (2021). He is survived by his son Peter and his wife, Dianne, of Sanford, daughter Pam Palmitessa and her husband, John, of Alfred, daughter Polly Hubbard and her husband, Gerald, of Sanford and daughter Peggy Vreeland and her husband, Abraham, of North Berwick. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of the Pinnacle in Sanford for taking such good care of Richard for the past two years. Read his full obituary here.

Compiled by Zendelle Bouchard

Edward F. Hallisey, 85, of Springvale, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2023. Born on Oct. 1, 1938, in Beverly, Mass., Edward was the son of Joseph and Margaret (Murphy) Hallisey. He spent his formative years in Beverly, attending local schools and building a foundation for a life marked by adventure, hard work, and meaningful connections. During his professional journey, Edward worked as a pipe fitter and welder, contributing his skills to the construction and maintenance of nuclear power plants across the country. He was a proud member of Local Union 537, Pipefitters and Refrigeration Division out of Boston, for over 4 decades. Beyond his professional life, Edward was a true motorcycle enthusiast, finding solace and joy on the open road. Upon retirement, Edward combined his welding expertise with artistic flair, creating sculptures that adorned local shops and galleries. A dedicated friend of Bill W. for over 40 years, Edward offered unwavering support to those seeking solace and understanding on their own journeys to recovery. Edward is survived by his daughter, Lisa Bacon, and her husband Jeff of Shapleigh; two grandchildren, Kathryn and Gavin Bacon; a sister-in-law, Judith Hallisey; several nieces and nephews; and his longtime confidant and best friend, Gerard “Bat” Boudreau. In honoring Edward’s wishes, arrangements will be private. His memory will live on in the hearts of family and friends, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Read his full obituary here. https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/edward-hallisey?utm_source=search&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=standard&cta=fh-website

Clifford Paul Cormier, fondly known as Cliff, Kip, or Kippy, passed away on Jan. 6, 2024, at Maine Medical Center in Portland at the age of 62. Surrounded by the love of his sons, he departed peacefully. Born in Sanford on May 25, 1961, to Clifford and Joyce (Normandeau) Cormier, Cliff grew up in Sanford and graduated from Sanford High School. He was a master electrician and the proud owner and operator of Cormier Electric. He learned the trade from his grandfather, George Normandeau, cultivating his skills from a young age. Recognizable around town in his red work van, Cliff had a strong work ethic, took pride in his craftsmanship, and enjoyed interacting with clients and fellow contractors. In his spare time, Cliff was an exceptional cook, honing his skills at Gene’s Bakery during high school and later becoming renowned for his delicious chili. A skilled and avid fisherman, he enjoyed participating in fishing tournaments and owned multiple boats throughout the years. An animal lover, Cliff held a special place in his heart for his cats, Tiffany and Jasper, as well as his beloved late cat, Frankie. Known for his affable nature, Cliff had the gift of gab and enjoyed socializing with people. He loved spending time with his sons, Ben and Derek, and was a man of deep faith, devoted to his religious convictions. He is survived by his two sons, Benjamin and Derek Cormier, both of Boston; his mother, Joyce (Normandeau) Cormier of Sanford; and his brother, Stephen Cormier of Sanford. A graveside service to celebrate Cliff’s life will be held in the spring at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Another Chance Animal Rescue at PO Box 552, 37 Market Street, North Berwick, ME 03906. Read his full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/clifford-cormier-2024

Paul E. Roberts, age 98, of Alfred, died Dec. 31, 2023. Paul was born Sept. 21, 1925, the son of George and Edna Roberts of Alfred. He graduated from Alfred High School in 1943 and spent some time working on his uncle’s farm. He also cut blankets for NorthStar, a woolen mill in Sanford, and was employed at the Goodall Print Shop in Sanford when he married Alicia D. Hall in 1948. He started his own carpentry/contractor business in 1969 which he thoroughly enjoyed until his retirement in 1995. Paul’s love of woodworking also included designing and making furniture for his wife and family. He was happiest when he was outside puttering in the yard and feeding the birds (but not the squirrels!). Paul was an active member of the North Alfred Baptist Church, and more recently, of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Hollis. He continued to live in Alfred until his marriage to Ruby MacLellan in 2014 at which time he moved into the Mayflower Assisted Living Community in Sanford. Paul and Ruby enjoyed walking outside when the weather permitted, working on picture puzzles, and getting out and about as much as possible. (Read our story about Paul and Ruby: https://sanfordspringvalenews.com/longtime-friendship-turns-to-late-life-romance/.) Paul was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Alicia, daughter, Deborah Lewis, brother George, and sister, Barbara Lord. He is survived by his wife, Ruby MacLellan, daughter Kathryn Snyder (George) of Endicott, NY; sons, Stephen Roberts (Mey) of Waterboro, Charles Roberts of Sanford; son-in-law Barry Lewis of Indianapolis, IN; daughter-in-law Barbara Roberts of Waterboro; 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Jan. 5. A private burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred in the spring. Read his full obituary at https://memorials.bibbersautumngreen.com/paul-roberts/5353427/index.php

Donald A. Cormier, 94, of Sanford, died Jan. 7, 2024 at his home. He was born in Sanford Nov. 8, 1929, the son of Emile and Cora (Pelletier) Cormier. He grew up in Sanford on June Street and went to work as a mechanic early in life. He worked for Joe Gagnon, first in Sanford and later in Waterboro. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served two years, most of it in Korea. After his service, he returned to Sanford and married Therese Boutin in 1953. Donald continued to work for Mr. Gagnon for 35 years. He then went to work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard until his retirement in 1992. Don was a Third Degree Knight in the Sanford Knights of Columbus. He was an overall handyman, skilled at many trades. He was always ready to help others and was a loving father and husband. Don is survived by his wife Therese Cormier; his sons, Ronald Cormier and his wife Debbie of Sanford, and Paul Cormier and his partner Lisa Hoyt of San Diego, CA; his grandchildren, Amanda Early and her husband Jon, Ryan Cormier and his wife Maura, Joseph Cormier and his wife Kerry and Edward Cormier; his sister, Mary Jane Bougie and Brother, Rene Cormier; and eight great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Church on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 11:00 am. Spring burial will be at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Read his full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/donald-cormier

Russell G. Harrington of Sanford died on January 3, 2024. He was born on May 10, 1942. Private services will be held. The family would like to thank the caring staff of River Ridge and Southern Maine Health Care for their excellent care of him.