Leo A. Collette

RUMFORD -- Leo A. Collette, 81, passed away at his home on March 15, 2013 after a brief illness.

Leo was born on Feb, 29, 1932 in Canada to Laura and Willie Collette of Notre Dame De Bois, Quebec. He attended Rumford schools until enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1951. He spent the next four years serving his country.

Upon returning from the U.S. Navy, he went to work for the Oxford Paper Company. He gave 40 years of service before retiring to enjoy some leisure time at Worthley Pond. There, he enjoyed quiet walks in the woods, puttering and reading. He was an avid reader and kept several family members well stocked in books. Though he loved many genres, he could never pass up a good western, Louis Lamour, being his favorite author. Some of his most cherished moments were cookouts on the Fourth of July at the lake and Christmas Eve gatherings at his home with loved ones.

He was a loving man with a kind and gentle spirit who was always ready with a friendly handshake, easy smile and warm hug. He was much loved and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his brother, Robert Collette of Roxbury Pond; and a sister, Monique Lucy and her husband, Jim of West Pittston, PA; and sister in law, Vernice Collette of Rumford; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Raymond, Edmond and Eddy Collette; sisters-in-law, Hilda and Louise Collette; and other family members.

The family wishes to thank Rumford Hospital and The Hospice House of Auburn Maine for the wonderful care he received during his time there. In lieu of flowers, the family would truly appreciate donations made in his name to the Androscoggin Hospice House, Stetson Road, Auburn, ME 04210.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford. Spring interment will be in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Leo’s memory may be made to the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210.