PAUL ERNEST "PAULY" BILODEAU

SKOWHEGAN -- Paul Ernest "Pauly" Bilodeau, of Skowhegan, and formerly of Palm Bay, Fla., and Augusta, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2013, at his birthplace, Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan. Paul was surrounded by his devoted family as he surrendered to complications of COPD that he endured over the past three years.

Paul was born on Dec. 3, 1958, one of five children to Wallace A. and Priscilla Dionne Bilodeau. He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School, class of 1978, where he developed a love for cooking in the culinary arts program. After a brief enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1979, Paul began his cooking career starting in his hometown restaurants, including Mama Baldacci's, Charrier's, Charlie's Donuts and the Old Mill Pub. Paul continued his cooking career after moving to Palm Bay in the late 1990s, where he worked for Friendly's until poor health forced his retirement in 2010. He was a former member of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge, where he enjoyed socializing with his many friends.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, both here in Maine and in Florida. He was a devoted Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins fan. He enjoyed attending their sporting events, especially the pre-season ballgames with his special Aunt Jet and her family. One of Paul's favorite pastimes was traveling the East Coast and Canada with his dad, his traveling buddy. In recent years, Paul really enjoyed his online community of friends, especially those who played word challenge games and puzzles with him.

Paul was predeceased by his parents; grandparents; and a nephew, Nicholas B. Gamage. He is survived by his devoted siblings, John (Juline), Ann Gamage, of Skowhegan, Mary (Richard) Callan, of North Belgrade, and Peter (Douglas Brotzman), of Corbett, Ore.; nephew Brett (Jennifer); nieces Adria, AmbrŽ, Olivia and Maria; great-niece Kimberley; and great-nephew Mark.

The family and relatives would like to thank all of Paul's friends who have corresponded with and visited Paul, keeping his spirits high during his illness, especially his dear lifelong friends, Michael Pineau and Richard McCarthy.

The family would also like to thank the staff of the following caregiving facilities that provided Paul with such devoted and dignified care: The Inn at City Hall, the VA at Togus, MaineGeneral Health in Augusta and Waterville, and especially Woodlawn Nursing Center and Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan.

Funeral services and a celebration of Paul's life will be announced and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redington-Fairview General Hospital or to the Wounded Warrior Project in Paul's memory.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service of Skowhegan.