Philip A. Mathieu

PORTLAND – Philip Albert Mathieu, 82, died on June 26, 2024 after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family, at 75 State Street, Portland.

He was born on Sept. 17, 1941 in Biddeford and was the eldest son of Albert P. and Elizabeth Haley Mathieu (both deceased).

He was a life-long resident of Westbrook (prior to relocating to 75 State Street, Portland in 2021). A 1960 graduate of Westbrook High School, Philip played tuba in the high school band. His senior year, the band won a regional competition and marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He was also a member of the fabled “Gukenheimer Sour Kraut Band” that “played” at All Westbrook Night. He was a graduate of the University of Maine.

Philip was very active in Boy Scouts. He was a recipient of it’s highest honor, Eagle Scout, was elected to the Order of the Arrow honor society by his peers, was a Boy Scout lifeguard and a counselor at Camp Hinds Camp, Raymond.

He owned and successfully operated the family business, Mathieu’s Food Market, established in 1939 by his father on Main Street, Westbrook for many years. He greatly enjoyed the customer interaction and the business had many long-time, loyal customers. The business, and Philip, are prominently mentioned in a recent history of Westbrook.

Philip was the primary care giver for his father, who resided with him; and, until his father’s final months, would bring him to the market daily to act as the business unofficial “greeter”. Philip’s family is very appreciative of how he allowed his father to have a wonderful quality of life in his final years.

He was a very kind and gentle person. He was also a man of relatively few words-unless you happened to touch upon a subject near and dear to him. Having made many trips to Hawaii, Philip was very knowledgeable about, and loved to discuss, Hawaiian history, geography, people, and culture. He was also very interested in, and extensively studied, Russian and German history. Right up to the terminal stage of his illness, Philip would faithfully send birthday and Christmas cards to many family members.

Philip leaves behind a sister, Marcia Mathieu Kelley (Peter), brother, David (Sheila); an aunt, Shirley Cantara; and nephews Christopher Leger (Stacey), Alexander Leger-Kelley, Jonathan (Conny) and Joshua Mathieu (Jamie), and niece, Lesley Leger-Kelley. He also leaves grandnieces Caroline and Scarlett Mathieu, and grandnephew, Nicholas Miron; as well as several cousins.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of 75 State Street for the love, kindness and compassion they showed Philip during his final years.

A private burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery where Philip will be laid to rest with his parents.

To view Philip’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.cotefuneralhome.com.