SACO — Maurice J. Mercier, 88, of Saco, died Monday, July 7, 2014 at Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, after a long illness.

He was born in Biddeford on Feb. 14, 1926, the son of Herman and Adelia Letellier Mercier, and was educated in Saco schools.

On March 17, 1943, he married Therese M. Lariviere in St. Andre’s Church in Biddeford.

Mr. Mercier worked more than 20 years with the Pepperell Mfg. Co. in Biddeford and more than 10 years with the Saco Police Department. He also worked security at Funtown USA, Saco Drive-in, Shaw’s Supermarket and Saco-Tanning Corp. in Saco, retiring in 1988. In retirement, he worked for attorney Rick Hull.

Maurice coached Saco Little League baseball, Notre Dame de Lourdes School baseball and Babe Ruth baseball in Saco.

He enjoyed local and professional baseball and football. He played drums in the country band “Red Coats” for 14 years.

He was preceded in death by: a daughter, Lorraine Boudreau, in 2011; a son, Ralph Mercier, in 2013; and a grandson, Mickey Mercier, in 1992.

Surviving are: his wife of 71 years of Saco; three sons, Maurice J. Mercier Jr. and his wife Dorothy of Arundel, Raymond Mercier and his wife Linda of Birmingham, Alabama, and Ron Mercier and his fiancée Doris of Poland; five daughters, Lucille Libby and her husband Roger of Saco, Annette Brown, Priscilla Dube, Diane Pepin and her husband Andy, and Carolyn Scott, all of Biddeford; 31 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Hope Memorial Chapel. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Friday at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.