Patrick Alfred Caron

SOUTH PORTLAND – Patrick Alfred Caron, 94, of South Portland, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 20, 1930, to the late Albert Caron and Amadee Soucy in Madawaska, Maine. His family moved to Saco, Maine so that his father and older brothers could contribute to the World War II effort by building Liberty Ships in Portland.

Pat met the love of his life, Patricia Keithley, who lived next door to his family. They married in 1950 and raised their four children in Lynn, Mass., before moving to North Waterboro, Maine. They enjoyed 25 years of retirement together at Lake Arrowhead, and during the winter months, they often vacationed in Myrtle Beach, SC. They were married for 64 years until her passing in 2014.

Pat joined the US Navy in 1949, serving four years of active duty aboard the USS Braine (DD-630), which was deployed in the Mediterranean Sea in 1950; during his deployment, he was selected as a member of his crew to represent the United States during the elaborate funeral service for King Gustaf V of Sweden where he marched along with a band and detachment of marines to honor the King during the funeral procession. He continued his service in the Naval Reserves and retired on his birthday in 1990.

For 25 years, Pat worked as a Quality Control Engineer at General Electric in Lynn, Mass., where jet engines were manufactured. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Franco-American War Veteran clubs in Lynn, Mass., where he enjoyed socializing and playing poker. Pat often joked that he was risking his children’s inheritance by playing high-stakes poker, but he knew when to hold’em and when to fold’em.

In his final six years, Pat enjoyed playing low-stakes poker games at Sable Lodge Retirement Community. He was also an avid cribbage player and a lifelong fan of Boston sports.

He was a proud father to four children, Cindy McCormick and her husband Rick, of Saco, John Caron and his wife Pattie of Amherst, NH, Lisa McDonald and her husband Scott of Alfred, and Brian Caron and his wife Karen of Franklin, Mass. Pat cherished his grandchildren, Jill McCormick, Michael McCormick, Brandon Caron, Meghan Caron, Alan Pinciaro, Samantha Cullum, Michaela Cullum-Doyle, Alexandra Doyle, and Patrick Doyle; as well as his great-grandchildren, Tyler, Max Patrick, Mason, Luna, Elliot, and Eva.

Pat was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; five brothers, Roger, Real, Raymond, Roland, and Joseph “Junior” Caron; and his great-grandson, Max Patrick McCormick.

Dad, we will miss you immensely. Through your love and dedication to our family, you instilled strong family values in us. We will live by your motto: c’est la vie!

A funeral service will be held at Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery on June 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in Pat’s name may be made to the:

Max McCormick

Memorial Foundation at http://www.maxsheroes.org.