Willie Romeo Rioux, 78 LEWISTON – Willie Romeo Rioux, 78, died at the d'Youville Pavillion Nursing Home in Lewiston on Saturday, July 16, 2005 following a long illness. He was born in New Bedford, Mass., on Jan. 7, 1927 to the late Willie F. Rioux and Antoinette Roux. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1945 and then went on to serve overseas as a Private in the U.S. Army during World War II. On July 21, 1947 he married Germaine C. Pelletier in Lewiston. Willie was employed by Philips Elmet in Lewiston for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1990 at the age of 63. He worked as a die polisher and was active in the Local Teamster's Union serving for a time as Union President. Willie was an active member of St. Patrick's Parish in Lewiston, serving in many capacities over the years ranging from Choir Singer to Parish Council President and Eucharistic Minister. Willie enjoyed singing, playing piano, playing pinochle and many board games, fishing and working on automobiles. He was a devoted husband and father. Willie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Germaine; six sons and a daughter and their families, Philip W. and Carmen Rioux of Lewiston, William T. Rioux of Sabattus, Jean A. and David Hall of Buxton, Michael P. and Susan Rioux of Durham, Mark R. and Shari L. Rioux of Saco, Denis and Debra Rioux of Greene, and Stephen Rioux of Sarasota, Fla. He is further survived by a sister, Irene Martin of Fayette, and a brother, Maurice Rioux of Sabattus. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and 16 nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours will be held for Mr. Rioux from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at the Fortin Funeral Home, 217 Turner St., Auburn. A celebration of Willie's life will take place on Wednesday, July 20 at St. Patrick's Chapel in Lewiston at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Lewiston. The Rioux family would like to express their thanks to the nursing staffs at d'Youville Pavillion and Montello Nursing Home in Lewiston as well as the Hospice Nurses of Androscoggin for the dedicated and compassionate care they provided to Willie in the last years of his life. In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a donation in Willie's honor to: Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice 15 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston, Maine 04240 Arrangements made by Fortin Group Funeral and Cremation Services. Willie Romeo Rioux Fortin Group Funeral Homes 784-4584