Born on November 4, 1926, in Lewiston to Marie Forgues Gendron and Joseph Gendron. Del worked for his father until he joined the Navy in 1944. He was sent to Pearl Harbor after the attack during WWII. Del was very proud of serving his country. Upon returning he went back to work with his dad at Jimmy's #9 Gas Station. After the death of his father in 1953 he took over the business and at one time had 7 stations. Del spoke of Jimmy's # 9 often which led us to believe it was his favorite. As a businessman, he tried his hand at many things such as a car wash, auto repair shops, ice cream parlor and restaurants.
Del married the love of his life Priscilla Melanson on June 7th, 1947 and shared 71 beautiful years together until her death in 2018. He would say that Priscillia was the foundation, and he would not be the man that he was without her support.
In 1971 at the age of 44 and having no experience in the construction business he acquired Fillion Construction which consisted of a backhoe, dump truck and a bulldozer. After one year working with Mr. Fillion, he brought his brother Bert aboard. Bert took care of the foundation work and house building part of the company, Del the construction aspect. Naming the company Gendron and Gendron. Years later he bought out his brother and his son David joined the company. When school was out or on Saturdays, Del could be seen in the pit with his grandsons, Todd, John, and Mickey. One could say Todd and John grew up in the pit, learning how to run the equipment at a young age. Del was a big influence not only to his children but also his grandchildren.
In 1998, at the age of 78, Del sold the company to David and in 2017 David sold the company to his son John. The company is now in its third generation. Del officially retired at the age of 91.
Community was very important to both Del and Priscilla. They contributed to St. Mary's Hospital, St. Dom's School where they started a scholarship fund, The Franco Center, The Children's Learning Center at the YWCA, The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, many smaller organizations and many families. Del played a significant part in developing the Lewiston/Auburn Veteran's Memorial Park by acquiring, refurbishing, and shipment of the Army jeep, fighter jet, and the tank, which he did with compassion.
In 1983 Del and Priscilla invited children to come to their home during the two weeks before Christmas. Children 7 and under were welcome to come in and choose a gift from the hundreds of toys they had purchased. The house was decorated with over 7,000 light and was duped the" Magic House". Generations of kids brought their children and remembered when they had visited. After 20 years, at the age of 76 and 77 they decided it was time to call it quits.
Del and Priscilla spent many years wintering in Florida with 12 other couples, first in Flager then in Daytona Beach and later in Port Charlette. Traveling was very much a part of their life. Del enjoyed golf, bowling skiing and especially dancing to his favorite song, Spanish Eyes with the love of his life Priscilla.
His family was a vital part of his life. He had six children, George, Diane, David, Michael, Steven who passed in 1977 and Celine who passed in 2001. Spending time at the camp on Sabattus Pond with the kids was a Sunday ritual with water skiing, boating, horseshoes and having an inground trampoline. When not at the camps, the family took trips to Six Gun City, Storyland, and Santa's Village.
Del belonged The Knights of Columbus, the Elks Club, Martindale Country Club and was an active member of Holy Cross Church.
For the past 5 years Del lived with his daughter, Diane and her husband Bob. He enjoyed watching old cowboy shows and golf on TV. He took daily rides to get coffee at Mike's station and talk to the girls, check out jobs, see David work at the quarry, George at Gendron's Sea Food and finally go to the cemetery to visit Priscilla, Steven and Celine.
Del was preceded in death by his loving wife Priscilla, son Steven, daughter Celine, granddaughter Tara, great granddaughter Isabella, brothers George, Bert, Arthur, Maurice, and Sister Blanche.
Del is survived by his sons, George and his wife Diane, David and Susan Galgovitch, Michael and Doris Auger and daughter Diane Darling and her husband Bob,11 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Sister Beatrice Guimond, Irene Letourneau and brother Claude Gendron.
The family would like to thank Marshwood Center for the excellent care and compassion that was given to our father.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Sept. 20th from 3PM to 7PM at Pinette Dillingham & Lynch, 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway, Lewiston. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday Sept 21, 2024 at 11AM, at Holy Cross Church on Lisbon Street, Lewiston. A live Webcast of the funeral mass can be seen at www.princeofpeace.me
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society
55 Strawberry St. Lewiston Maine 04240
Arrangements are under the care of Pinette, Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home | 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240 | (207) 784-4023
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