BIDDEFORD — John M. Paquet, 81, of Biddeford, died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015.

He was born June 23, 1933 in St. Honore de Schenley, P.Q., Canada.

Mr. Paquet served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.

On Oct. 12, 1957, he married Rita M. Gonneville.

Following his military service, John studied culinary srts at SMVTI. He worked for 33 years as the director of Food Services both at St. Andre’s School and the Biddeford school district, retiring in 1998. He also owned and operated John’s Catering during that time, and was well known for “John’s Bread.”

John followed local and professional sports and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was the number one fan of his grandchildren’s events.

He is preceded in death by: his wife, Rita Paquet; his grandson, Jonathan; two sisters, Jeannette Courtois and Simone Perron; and three brothers, Rene, Raoul and Rev. Fernand Paquette on Feb. 10 of this year.

He is survived by: one son, Kevin Paquet and his wife Melissa of Biddeford; eight daughters, Karen and her husband David Binette of Saco, Elaine and her husband Rick Lovejoy of Buxton, Caroline and her husband Guy Petrin, Lisa Paquet and Carol Lamontagne, Kathi and her husband John Mckeown, Susan and her husband John Heffernan all of Biddeford, Debbie and Mark Damon of Westbrook, and Amy and Eric Cyr of Acton; 27 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; four brothers, Rev. Hubert Paquet, Urbain Paquette, Jerry Paquette, and Roger Paquet; and three sisters, Therese Gagnon, Marguerite Poirier and Helen Berube, all of Biddeford.

Visiting hours will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph’s Church.

Private burial will be in the spring. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels or St. James School of Biddeford.