John M. Paquette

Saco

John M. Paquette, 89, of Saco, passed away peacefully at his home in Saco on Monday, May 16, 2022.

He was born in St. Honoré, Quebec on September 20, 1932, a son of Edmond and Anne (Begin) Paquette.  His family moved to the U.S. when John was a young child settling in Saco and was educated in the local school system. John honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  On September 1, 1956 John married the love of his life, Diana Ouellette.  Together they raised three wonderful children; Kathy, Tim and Scott.

John was from the generation of hard work, learning how to build at a young age by observing other carpenters and tradesmen.  He began honing his craft by using the family's firewood to build things, much to his father's dismay, since that was needed to heat their home.  John worked as a self-employed carpenter for over 45 years, building and remodeling countless homes in the surrounding community.  His love for woodworking extended into a pastime, as one of his favorite hobbies was working in his workshop building dollhouses, and dollhouse furniture.  Some of these pieces, with very intricate detail, are still being admired today.

Other activities John enjoyed were playing softball, where his father and brothers made up a whole team.  He enjoyed bowling, playing Rummikub with his wife and family, playing guitar, and watching football -  he was a diehard Patriots fan.  John was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars service organization.  Most of all John loved his family, and cherished the time spent with family and friends. He will be sadly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife Diana of 57 years, ten siblings: Armand Paquette, Real Paquette, Lucien Paquette, Robert Paquette, Rene Paquette, Gerard Paquette, Antonio Paquette, Bernadette Houde, Desneige Frechette, and Annette Desruisseaux, and step-grandson Christopher Petritsch.

John is survived by his daughter Kathy Day and partner Michael Audie; his two sons, Tim Paquette and wife Sandra, and Scott Paquette; his two grandchildren, Jessica Day-Brinkley and husband Jamie, and Jonathan Day and wife Libby, and step granddaughter Manya Salazar; two great-grandsons Grayson Brinkley and Finley Day; and many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11AM Monday, May 23, 2022, at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. To view John's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com