BIDDEFORD — George Noel Tourigny, 86, of Biddeford, referred to by many as “Gorgeous George,” passed away peacefully early morning Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at his home with his loving wife, Rachel, by his side.

He was selfless by nature, a hard worker, a devoted family man, and a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

George was born at home in Biddeford to Wilfred and Rose (Fontaine) Tourigny on Christmas Day 1929. He was educated in Biddeford schools, and received his diploma from St. Louis High School. In 1951, George was drafted in the United States Army and served his country for two years during the Korean War.

Even as a young man, his selfless character was evident. Having been without his father from age 3, he ensured his mother and siblings received a portion of his earnings from his time in the service. In 1953, he was honorably discharged from the Army, returned home to Biddeford and worked for six years in the shoe shop industry.

He married the love of his life, Rachel Y. (Laflamme) Tourigny, at St. Joseph’s Church on Aug. 14, 1954. On June 28, 1955, he welcomed his first child to the world. He went on to have five more children over a period of 15 years.

In August 1959, he began a 27-year career at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He completed the apprenticeship program as a pipe fitter, and finished his career as a nuclear inspector lead man.

After retiring from the shipyard in 1986 at age 57, he began his second, third and fourth careers working as an all-around handyman at the Prospect Manor in Biddeford, then at Southern Maine Medical Center in environmental services. In 2004, at age 75, he finally retired from the workforce after spending more than a decade working in maintenance for the Diplomat Condominium in Old Orchard Beach.

At 70, he fulfilled his lifelong dream to build his forever home on ample land, where he could ride his lawn mower, maintaining his property in pristine condition.

He took up golfing late in life, and enjoyed countless hours on the golf course. He was always ready and willing to play a round of nine or 18 come rain or shine. He was forced to retire his clubs due to severe neuropathy in his feet, which left him unable to walk the course.

George also loved spending time with his wife, their children and grandchildren on Middle Beach at Biddeford Pool. Most days during the summer months, the patriarch and the rest of his clan would congregate just past the lifeguard stand to share laughs and a few cold Budweisers. George loved the ocean, and enjoyed playing baseball and bocce ball on the sand.

He enjoyed many camping trips with his sons. Always a gracious host, he opened his home to his family for many barbecues and holiday celebrations. He was an avid sports fan, never missing a televised New England Patriots or Boston Red Sox game. He took pleasure in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, often displaying such pride in reading of their accomplishments in the local papers.

There is nothing that George would not have done for his family during his life. During his brief illness and in the days prior to his death, his family never left his side.

George was preceded in death by: two brothers, Arthur and Alfred Tourigny; and a sister, Rita (Tourigny) Deschene.

He is survived by: a sister, Romaine (Tourigny) Ouellette; his beloved wife of 62 years, Rachel; six children, Sheila and her husband Ronald Neault, Karen and her husband Guy Bouthot, Dr. Dean Tourigny and his wife Kathleen, Jeff Tourigny and his wife Sharon, Carl Tourigny and his fiancée April Laverriere, and Neil Tourigny and his wife Michele; 11 grandchildren, Sarah Neault-Barrs and her husband Andrew, Briana Lagasse and her husband Kris, Tricia Wentworth and her husband Zachary, Jacqueline Spang and her husband Philip IV, Justine Bouthot, and Angelina, Chantel, Deanna, James, Troy and Faith Tourigny; eight great-grandchildren, Addison, Austin and Andrew Barrs; Kyle, Ayla and Rachel Lagasse; Evan Wentworth and Philip Spang V; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 4, at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made In Remembrance of George N. Tourigny to: St. James School, 25 Graham St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, visit HopeMemorial.com.