Joseph Paul Bouvier of Gainesville (FL), formerly of Dunedin, Merrimack (NH), and Biddeford (ME), passed away on December 23rd. He was 86 years old.
Prior to joining the Army as a young adult – and continuing to this day, family from his youth knew him as Paul Joseph Bouvier… or simply Paul. Friends knew him as Butch. Seeking to escape a nickname and citing a fortuitous mistake on his birth certificate, he went by Joe as an adult. His son-in-law liked to kid him about his multiple personalities. But regardless of the name that came to mind when you saw his face, most knew him as a pretty great guy.
He was the son of Joseph Urbain Bouvier and Bella Tanguay, and the fourth of five children. He grew up playing sports – dabbling in many and excelling in boxing. He grew up to drive tanks for the Army, machine parts for General Electric, and run restaurants for others… then for himself.
Although chronic disease took these things from him at an early age, he did not slow down as much as others might. As his daughter grew into the responsibility of looking out for herself, he volunteered his time visiting with people shut-in at area nursing homes. He served as a Eucharistic Minister for the Catholic Church, bringing Communion to those who could not make it to Mass themselves. He volunteered his time with the Knights of Columbus, encouraging a closer relationship with the local church community, and rising to the rank of Grand Knight. Through it all he carried a smile on his face and a touch of Maine in his voice that could be either disarming or a warning, depending on what the situation called for.
He follows his parents, his brothers Ralph and Henry, his oldest sister Emeline Moreau, and two infant children Joseph and John in death. He leaves behind his wife Annette, his daughter Cheryl Kauffman (John), his sister Irene Bouvier, his sister-in law Maria Bouvier, his two grandchildren Beth and Adam Kauffman, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Services will be held in Gainesville (FL) and Dunedin (FL) on dates to be determined.