Maurice Mathieu, 89, of Fall River, Massachusetts, entered into rest Wednesday, June 1, 2016 after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Gemma (St. Amand) Mathieu for 62 years.
Born in Lewiston, Maine, Maurice served in the US Army in Europe during World War II, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After the war he trained for work in the newly developing airline industry, initially as a ticket and reservations agent in New York City and other east coast locales, then eventually home-based at the New Bedford Airport for Northeast Airlines, and then finally operations at Boston’s Logan airport with Delta Airlines (which merged with Northeast) where he retired with over 37 years of service.
Maurice enjoyed opera, going on hikes, playing pinochle, and puttering around with household projects.
He and his wife Gemma also travelled extensively in North America, Europe, Hawaii and Bermuda. He was a member of Saint Bernadette’s Parish (formerly Notre dame de Lourdes) in Fall River, a life member of the Knights of Columbus, a former member of the Fall River Francophone Association and a past president of the Richelieu Club promoting French language and culture.
Maurice leaves four children, Albert Mathieu (former wife Lori), Richard Mathieu (wife Janet), Paul Mathieu (wife Robin), and Marc Mathieu (wife Donna), all of Fall River, and 7 grandchildren. He was the son of the late Omer and Armosa (Dubois) Mathieu. He was the brother of Marcel Mathieu (wife Irene) of Arizona, Rene Mathieu (wife Pauline) of Maine, and Pauline Bernier (husband Victor) of Florida. Maurice was predeceased by his brothers Armand Mathieu (wife Lorraine), Jean Paul Mathieu (wife Alma), and Gerard Mathieu (wife Jacqueline), and sisters Irene Gauthier (late husband Paul), Marie (Cecile) Mercier (late husband Armand) and Carmen Goupil (late husband Camille).
Maurice also leaves his good friend Charles Staula, whom he has known since their early days together in the airline industry.
Funeral Services to which relatives and friends are invited to will be on Monday June 6 at 9AM at South Coast Funeral Home, 1555 pleasant St, Fall River. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 AM at St. Bernadette’s Parish, 529 Eastern Ave, Fall River. Entombment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. In lieu of flowers donations or mass invocations can be made to St. Bernadette’s Parish, 520 Eastern Ave, Fall River, MA 02723. Calling hours will be Sunday June 5 from 5-8PM.