LEWISTON — Emmett Stuart Jr. died Saturday, Oct. 29.at Marshwood Center in Lewiston. Emmett was born in Hattiesburg, Mass., on March 24,1934. He earned Eagle Scout designation and, after graduating from Gulfport (MS) High School, he served his country in the U.S. Army, which gave him the opportunity to travel in Europe and see his favorite city, Paris. Emmett was a skilled portrait photographer who worked for many years at Loring Studios throughout New England, eventually settling in Auburn. Later, he opened his own studio, Portraits Plus in Lewiston. He captured the school, graduation and wedding memories of so many in central Maine and loved being able to use his artistry through his photographs to provide a permanent tribute. Emmett was also eager to serve his community and was instrumental in the development of standardized Reserve Police Officer training for the State of Maine. He devoted long hours implementing the program to ensure the safety of citizens and police officers alike. He spent many years on patrol for the town of Freeport, as well as the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department and Auburn Police Department. Honoring military service was also important to Emmett. He was an active member of American Legion Post 153 and served as post commander. He was able to share his marketing skills at the annual Balloon Festival where he and his fellow Legion members sold sausages and lime rickeys to raise funds for Legion activities. He took considerable pride in being an instrumental part of the planning, design, funding and construction of the Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston.
He leaves to cherish his memory a son, Richard Stuart of Holyoke, Mass.; daughters, Alison Percy and her husband, Robert, of West Springfield, Mass. and Erica Kelleher and her husband, Daniel, of South Hadley, Mass. He also leaves two granddaughters, Elizabeth Aguillard and her husband, Michael, of Denver, Colo. and Hannah Kelleher of South Hadley, Mass. He also leaves his long-lost daughter, Alice Wallace of Las Cruces, N.M., with whom he recently reconnected and was so grateful to have met in person in his final days. His family would like to acknowledge his "Maine family," the Tuttles of Litchfield, particularly his "granddaughter" Cierra Tuttle and his dear neighbor, Debbie, as well as his devoted friends from the American Legion and the Freeport Police Department. The family is also grateful for the caring staff at Marshwood and the Androscoggin County Hospice Services team. Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Emmett's online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.
A memorial gathering will take place Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Fortin\Auburn. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Emmett's memory to: Wm. J. Rogers Post 153, 71 South Main St., Auburn, ME 04210. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group\Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, 783-8545.
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