BIDDEFORD — Robert A. Descoteaux, 78, of Biddeford, died Wednesday morning, Sept. 14, 2016, at Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough after a long illness.

He was born in Biddeford on May 9, 1938, the son of Wilbrod and Irene Petit Descoteaux. He was educated in Biddeford schools, and graduated from Biddeford High School Adult Education.

On April 20, 1961, he married Pauline B. Rochefort in St. Joseph Church.

Mr. Descoteaux worked for 42 years with Pepperell Manufacturing Co. and Biddeford Textile Corp., retiring in 2001.

Bob was a member of St. Joseph Church Knights of Columbus and the Union St. Jean Baptiste de Bienfaisance in Biddeford. He enjoyed organic gardening for over 50 years, and loved raising and racing homing pigeons.

He is survived by: his wife of 55 years of Biddeford; one son, David Descoteaux and his wife Janet of Rumford; three daughters, Denise Olson and her husband Robert of West Newbury, Massachusetts, Donna Young and her husband Todd of Rhinebeck, New York, and Debra Descoteaux and her husband Christopher Schmidt of Steep Falls; one sister, Constance Vallee and husband Henri of Arundel; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, or: St. James School, 25 Graham St., Biddeford, ME 04005.

Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. To share condolences online, please visit HopeMemorial.com.