ARMAND R. BILODEAU

AUGUSTA -- Armand R. Bilodeau, 64, of Augusta, died on Friday, July 27, 2012, at the VA hospital at Togus following a brief illness. He was born in Augusta on Aug. 10, 1947, a son of Adelbert J. and Blanche Eva (Deharnis) Bilodeau.

Mr. Bilodeau was a graduate of Cony High School, class of 1966.

Armand was an Army veteran of the 4th BN 503 infantry, 173rd ABN BDE, serving during the Vietnam War, in which he earned a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement.

He had been employed as a cook by the VA hospital at Togus for 14 years. He previously worked at Friendly's and the Hi-Hat in Lewiston as a cook.

Armand was devoted to his faith and could be found at daily Mass at St. Mary's Church in Augusta. His devotion to God was followed through by helping others in need. He had volunteered at the Bread of Life Ministry in Waterville and fulfilled his love for cooking. He opened a food pantry in his home to help families in need of food. Making rosaries also served another of his lifelong habits, and the rosaries he made were sent to Africa and other parts of the world. In past years, he spent his time generously volunteering in many activities at St. Denis Church. In recent years, Armand lived a financially simple life to be able to give to others and their families in need. Armand had a spirit about him that was always remembered once meeting him. He was known for expressing the love he had for God and what his faith meant to him. His devotion to God was only rivaled by his love for his younger brother, adoring children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his father, Adelbert J. Bilodeau; his mother, Blanche Eva (Deharnis) Bilodeau-Fournier; and a granddaughter, Shelby Monroe-Bilodeau.

Mr. Bilodeau is survived by two sons, Jason A. Bilodeau, and his wife, Carmen, of Augusta, and Steven M. Bilodeau and his fiancee, Tanya Monroe, of Augusta; a daughter, Lori A. McPherson, and her husband, Michael, of Hallowell; a brother, Eugene L. Bilodeau, and his wife, Theresa "Terry," of Augusta; grandchildren Alex McPherson, Steven E. Monroe-Bilodeau, Cecilia Bilodeau, Anthony Bilodeau and "granddaughter by heart" Sabbath Peridot; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may visit from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Avenue, Augusta. Committal prayers with military honors will follow at the graveside in Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Armand's memory may be made to Bread of Life Ministries, 157 Water St., Augusta, ME 04330.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared through the funeral home website at www.plummerfh.com.