BIDDEFORD — Robert L. Ruel, 73, of Biddeford, died unexpectedly at his home Wednesday, March 4, 2015.

He was born Sept. 24, 1941 in Biddeford, the son of Lucien C. and Martha (Neault) Ruel. Bob was educated at St. Andre’s school and St. Louis High School, graduating in the class of 1959.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 until 1963. On April 28, 1962, he married Marguerite Millette in St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.

Following his military service, he was employed with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Connecticut. Returning to Maine in 1972, he worked with his father at L.C. Carpet; after his father’s retirement he continued as sole proprietor. He later worked as machine inspector for the U.S. Postal Service. In recent years he had been employed at Home Depot and Lowes in Biddeford. He retired in 2012.

While in business locally, he served on the Biddeford Community Development Commission. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob enjoyed woodworking and being a household handyman and gardener.

He is preceded in death by: sisters, Diane J. Ruel and Priscilla R. Bradley in 2008.

He is survived by: his wife of 52 years, Marguerite (Margo) Ruel of Biddeford; four children, Andrew Ruel and his wife Dana of Kennebunk, Bernard Ruel and his wife Lise of Biddeford, Charlene Grebin and her husband John of Biddeford, and Dennis Ruel and his companion Brooke Johnstone of Windsor; two brothers, Roger Ruel and his wife Roberta of Lyman, and Renald Ruel and his wife Rolande of Biddeford; 10 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 8 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph Church. Burial will be in Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.