BIDDEFORD — Raymond A. Chretien, 85, of Biddeford, and formerly of Lakeland, Florida, died Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Southridge Living Center in Biddeford following ongoing health issues.

Raymond was born in Biddeford on Jan. 30, 1930, a son of Alphonse and Corinne (Paul) Chretien. He attended St. Joseph’s grammar school and St. Louis High School.

He served a short time in the U.S. Army, training at Camp Edwards in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

He began his working career at Pepperell Mill in Biddeford, where he met Theresa R, Lamontagne, whom he married on May 15, 1948. He then completed a four-year apprenticeship and had a long career as a machinist, working at Saco-Lowell, Jones and Vining of Lewiston and other companies related to the shoe industry.

He retired at 59, moving to Lakeland, Florida with his wife, and lived there for 25 years. He was employed part-time at Publix grocery store and Sears department store. In June of 2013, he returned to Maine.

Raymond is preceded in death by: his parents, Alphonse and Corinne (Paul) Chretien; his wife, Theresa (Lamontagne) Chretien, who died in 1997; a brother, Royal and his wife Helen Chretien; and a sister, Merle Cyr, as well as her son Thomas.

He is survived by: his three daughters, Donna Steckino and her husband Fred Frohardt of Auburn, Sandi Chretien of Lakeland, Florida, and Joan Ouellette and her husband Robert St. Louis of Biddeford; as well as his granddaughters, Laura Steckino of South Portland, Nicole Ouellette and her partner Nelson Bello of Sandwich, Massachusetts; and grandsons, David Steckino of Biddeford, and Philip Ouellette and his fiancée Diedre Finley of South Portland. He also leaves behind: a great-grandson, Greyson Steckino; as well as brother, Gerard and his wife Andrea Chretien; a niece, Linda; and nephews, Richard, Leroy, Ronnie, Roger, Gerald, and Danny.

Private services will be attended by immediate family only at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn.

The family would like to thank all of his caregivers at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford, especially the ER and staff on the fourth floor, after numerous admissions, as well as Southridge Living Center and the rehabilitation center at Seal Rock Healthcare for their concern for Raymond and his family.