Maurice “Moe” Emile Marquis

GREENE – It is with great sadness that we share that our wonderful father and patriarch of our family has ascended to his heavenly home. Moe Marquis passed away on Feb. 5, 2025, with his daughters by his side at the age of 88 at his daughter’s home on Allen Pond in Greene where he had resided for the last six weeks.

Born and raised in Lewiston on Lincoln Street (in the area known as Little Canada) Moe was the first born child to Albert and Jeanne (Jutras) Marquis. His Uncle Gerry Jutras taught him to play the harmonica at a young age, and he could play any song simply by listening to it. He also had a strong voice and often sang the national anthem at events, as well as the occasional karaoke. He attended St. Mary’s School, and was in the St. Cecilia Band drum and bugle corps. He played hockey for St. Mary’s School, as well as Bates Mfg.

In 1954, at the age of 17 and with the consent of his parents, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for three years and was a Korean War veteran. He was so proud to be a Marine and instilled a sense of patriotism in us as well. Moe was very involved in many veteran’s organizations including The Marine Corps League, Dept. of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard, Franco American War Veterans, American Legion Post #22, as well as being a member of the Elks and the Eagles in Lewiston and the Moose Lodge in Sarasota. He very much enjoyed planning and participating in parades leading the color guard, and he was a force behind the creation of Veterans Park in downtown Lewiston.

He had a tremendous work ethic and began work at the early age of eight delivering groceries for a market on Lincoln Street with his wagon; he always gave his wages to his mother to help his family. He began his career with the Lewiston Public Works as a heavy equipment operator and worked his way up to Foreman of the Water and Sewer Division, retiring after 38 years due to a work-related injury.

In 1957, he married Jeannine Moreau, and they had three children, Marcel, Diane and Debbie, and lived on Horton Street in Lewiston. He later married Anita Bak, and they had a home at Country Lane Estates in Lewiston, as well as Mobile Estates in Sarasota, Florida, for over 25 years.

He returned to Maine in 2019 and sold his home in Florida. Daughter Debbie and her husband Dana lived several doors down from him, so they (and their dog Trooper) would visit with him every evening and watch dad’s favorite cowboy shows. Diane would visit at lunch time and on the weekends to help him out as well, while her husband Dave was Dad’s driver and brought him to breakfast at McDonald’s or to meet up with friends at the Eagle’s. Because of this strong support, he was able to live independently until his fall last year.

Moe enjoyed watching Boston Bruins hockey, although his allegiance changed to the Montreal Canadians for a while which was greatly influenced by son Marcel and grandson Michael. He also liked the Tampa Bay Lightning, but he became a Bruins fan once again when he moved back to Maine, and he and Diane watched many New England Patriot football games together.

He was a man of great faith and prayed faithfully, was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, as well as St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota.

After visiting with him at his home and upon leaving, Dad would always say “I love you very much and say hi to the family.” Well dad, we love you very much and please say hi to our heavenly family. Until we meet again.

Moe is survived by his daughter Diane and her husband David Greene, daughter Debbie and her husband Dana Frost, daughter-in-law Bonnie Marquis, sisters, Joline Laplante and Laurette Gagne, sister-in-law Bernie Marquis, as well as 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and many special nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his son Marcel, granddaughter Michelle Marquis, great-grandson Brayden Madore, sister Lorraine Kuebler, brother Paul Marquis and special niece Tina Marquis.

Visitation will be held at The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home in Lewiston on Monday, February 10, from 3 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, Sabattus Street, Lewiston on Tuesday, February 11, at 11 a.m., followed by Military Honors and Committal Prayers at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston.

To leave messages and condolences with the Marquis family, please visit http://www.fortinpinettegrouplewiston.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, Maine 04240, (207) 784-4023

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Marines Toys for Tots or the Franco Center (former St. Mary’s Church).

Maurice “Moe” Emile Marquis