Born in Salem, Massachusetts, on April 30, l929, the son of Arthur J. Viger and Leona J. (Hevey) Viger, he moved to Biddeford at an early age. A graduate of St. Louis High School, St. Anselm’s College and Boston College Law School, he served honorably in the Army during the Korean Conflict and as a practicing attorney for 37 years in Biddeford, retiring at age 62.
He was licensed to practice law before the Supreme Court of Maine and the United States Supreme Court. He served as county attorney of York County for four years, and as city solicitor of Biddeford for 11 years.
A communicant of Good Shepherd Parish in Biddeford and Kennebunk, he was active in community affairs throughout his life as a member of St. Joseph’s choir for over 60 years, Knights of Harmony, Tri- City Community Chorus, Kiwanis International, St. Jean Baptiste de Bienfaisance, 4th degree Knights of Columbus, L’Union St. Jean Baptiste and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He was at his death a member of the St. Louis Alumni Association since 1945 and the Biddeford Saco Country Club since 1957.
He was instrumental in the formation of St. Joseph’s Credit Union (now known as PeoplesChoice Credit Union), serving as its first president in 1964 and as a member of its board of directors for an additional l2 years. He also served as the first president of St. Joseph’s Parish Council in 1968 with 14 years of service, and on the board of directors of Catholic Charities of Maine for two years.
His greatest passions in life were his family, singing, golfing, skiing, watching sports and traveling with his wife, Therese. They traveled extensively throughout all 50 states, viewing many highlights of each state.
Being avid sports fans, he and Therese also viewed baseball games in nearly every American and National League ballpark, attending the Boston Red Sox baseball games on their wedding anniversary, April l9, and then watching the end of the Boston Marathon from l957 to 2009. They also traveled extensively throughout all of Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, England, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Japan and the Far East.
With a passion for singing, he attended many live musical shows throughout the country featuring Louis Armstrong, Celine Dion, Robert Goulet, Elton John, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Vaughn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Lawrence Welk, as well as each summer at Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick for 25 years.
He was extremely proud of his Franco-American heritage; his children speak French and English, and his grandchildren sing French songs. He was appointed a member of the Franco- American Hall of Fame by the Maine Legislature in 2016.
Marcel was also amazed at and always so proud of his parents, who had no money but through hard work were able to send their two sons to college – Leopold became a medical doctor; Marcel, an attorney.
His greatest accomplishments in life were marrying the love of his life, Therese, on April l9, 1954. They raised three daughters and spent time with their nine grandchildren, whether it would be telling stories of his childhood, watching their sporting events or singing with them after mealtimes. They also enjoyed taking their mothers to California, Las Vegas and Florida several times after the death of their husbands.
He is survived by: his wife of 62 years, the former Therese Loranger; three daughters and their husbands, Joanne Huot and Dr. Richard Huot of Vero Beach, Florida, Patricia Crepeau and Kenneth Crepeau of Biddeford, and Jacqueline Gallishaw and Jonathan Gallishaw of Seekonk, Massachusetts; nine grandchildren, Todd, Kaleigh, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Kerry, Patrick, Brady, Wesley and Ethan; two sisters-in-law, Jeannine Viger, widow of his deceased brother Leopold, and Jeannette Elie; and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours with be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date following cremation services.
Donations in Marcel’s name can be made to: St. James School, 25 Graham St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, visit hopememorial.com.
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