STANDISH- Donald L. Roy, age 96, passed away on Feb. 5, 2026, after a period of declining health.
He was born on Dec. 12, 1929, in Cambridge, MA, a son of the late Abraham and Marie (Grenier) Roy. After graduating from Limerick High School, he served as a medic in the US Army in the Korean War with the rank of Sargent First Class and received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement. He went on to serve in the National Guard for an additional 18 years.
On April 30, 1953, he married the love of his life, Arlene M. Aube, at St. Andre’s Church in Biddeford. In the fall of 1953, he bought Sunset Farm in Standish where he raised 8 children with Arlene. He started building a new house in 2008 at 79 years old, next to the farm and moved there in 2010. This house was partially built with lumber he had cut off his property that he had milled in the field.
Don worked at the Edwards Plant in Saco, Saunder’s Brothers Dowel Mill in Westbrook, raised broilers in the barn at Sunset Farm, and worked parttime as a town selectman for Standish. Don was also a life insurance agent with New York Life until his retirement.
He was a Boy Scout Master for the local troop, volunteered with the Standish Rescue Team, was a member of the American Legion- Standish Memorial Post #128, and a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Matthew’s Church in Limerick where he was a parishioner.
Donald, first and foremost, loved spending time with his family, but also enjoyed trapping, hunting, organic farming, traveling throughout the U.S. with his tag-along camper, working the land he owned which included logging, and operating his tractor.
He will always be remembered as a proud family man with loving and calm mannerisms, a devilish sense of humor, a contagious smile, and his big bear hugs. He will forever be known as a gentleman who was always ready to assist someone in need.
He is predeceased by seven siblings. Don is survived by his beloved wife- Arlene Roy; children- Susan Abrams and her husband Jim, Judy McDonough and her husband Kevin, Gail Poirier and her partner Steve, Lynne Roy, Diane Bennett and her husband Bill, Dan Roy and his wife Lisa, Scott Roy, and Kevin Roy and his wife Cheri; sister- Ginny Adams; 27 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; and many dear friends who knew this loving man.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday Feb. 14th at 10 AM at St. Matthew’s Church, 19 Dora Lane, in Limerick. A reception will be held at the church following the Mass. Burial will be in the spring with US Army Honors.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Standish Food Pantry, P.O. Box 463, Standish, ME 04084
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras Funeral Homes website, www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, www.mainefuneral.com
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