Salem: Charles J. “Bill” Poitras age 74, retired Lieutenant in the Salem Fire Department, died suddenly, Wednesday morning, May 21, 2008 at the NSMC / Salem Hospital. He was the husband of the late Marcelle T. (Dube) Poitras.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Charles R. and Dora M. (Harris) Poitras. During the Korean Conflict, he served in Germany with the U.S. Army. Following his tour of duty, Bill returned to Salem and joined the Salem Fire Department as a firefighter in 1955 and retired as a lieutenant in 1993. Bill was an avid golfer who was a regular at Olde Salem Greens. He was also a member of the American Legion Post # 24, the Lafayette Associates and the Salem Council on Aging.
He is survived by 3 sisters: Lorraine D. Sousa, Carol A. Poitras and Claire J. Poitras all of Salem. He is also survived by 5 nephews: Robert Sousa of Peabody, Richard Sousa of Illinois, John Sousa of Salem, Stephen Sousa of Newburyport, Thomas Sousa of Beverly, 3 nieces: Lisa Anderson & Laurie Green both of Salem, and Pamela Jordan of Lynn. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Robert W. Poitras.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather Saturday, May 24, 2008 at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St., [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem at 8 am followed by his funeral mass in Ste. Anne Church, Jefferson Ave., Salem at 9 am. Visiting hours: Friday 4 to 8 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to: Fire Fighter’s Relief Fund, Attn: Paul Phillip, 48 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 01970. For additional information and guest book, please visit www.levesquefunerals.com