Wilfred R. Daigneault

Date of Death: February 5, 2025
Date of Birth: October 5, 1946
Wilfred R. "Willie" Daigneault (78) of Lyman and Machias Maine, passed away Wednesday February 5, 2025 surrounded by his family at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, after a long battle with dementia. He was born in Biddeford, Maine on October 5, 1946, the son of Renald and Florence (Lambert) Daigneault. He graduated from the Biddeford High School class of 1965.
After high school, Wilfred went on to serve in the Air Force, working as an airplane Technician for four years. After the military, Willie worked for Saco Defense for 3 years and then landed a career position at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for over 35 years as a services electrician on US Naval Submarines. Upon retirement, he enjoyed his time working various jobs. He really enjoyed his time at Maine Manufacturing Factory in Sanford and working overnight security at Camp Powder Horn in Old Orchard Beach with his son Eric.
When not working and raising his family, Willie was very passionate about volunteering in his community. A former Scout Master for Troop 399; former Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus Council 7078 in Lyman as well as an active member of St. Philips Church in Lyman where he enjoyed coordinating and cooking for church supper events, among many other church activities. Family and Faith were very important to Willie.
Willie loved music! He is fondly remembered by loved ones whistling along to a tune, drumming to a beat or even dancing. With this, his nickname naturally became "Whistling Willie." When he was not beating to his own drum, Willie always had a beautiful smile on his face and was always interested in meeting and helping others. Willie will always be remembered as a hardworking family man who loved to travel. He would often talk about his time working for the shipyard in Hawaii, Scotland, and San Diego, hoping one day to return and revisit.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Priscilla J. (Camire) Daigneault of Machias, 5 children and their spouses: son Leonard and wife Melissa Brandt Daigneault of Waterboro; son David and wife Jessica Daigneault of Skowhegan; daughter Christina (Daigneault) Stonier and husband Jason Stonier of Litchfield; son Eric and wife Brandy Daigneault of Sanford; daughter Jessica (Daigneault) Laurin and husband James Laurin of Lyman. 9 grandchildren: Noah Daigneault, Ethan Daigneault, Braden Daigneault, Gabrial Daigneault, Caleb Daigneault, Rylan Daigneault, Erica Daigneault, Connor Stonier, Maxx Stonier. 2 Step Grandchildren: David Bernier, Isaac Bernier. 2 Brothers Don and wife Sue Daigneault of Saco, Norman and wife Donna Daigneault of Scarborough. Sister-in-law Connie Daigneault of Scarborough; As well as many extended family members.
Predeceased by his parents: Renald and Florence (Lambert) Daigneault, his brother Joseph Daigneault, father-in-law Henry Camire, brother-in-law Roger Camire.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Willie's life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11am at St. Philip's Church in Lyman (404 Goodwins Mills Rd Lyman, Maine), with a reception to follow at New Life Church in Biddeford (551 Alfred Rd Biddeford, Maine).
A graveside service will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the nurses and aids from Alzheimer Care Center in Gardiner, and the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta. Willie and the family loved the care they gave that was above and beyond, making Willie feel right at home in the progression of his disease.
In lieu of flowers, the family would love to have donations made to the Maine Veterans Home, Resident Activity Fund
Maine Veterans' Homes
35 Heroes Way
Augusta, ME 04330
(in memo, please write in): Resident Activity Fund