NEW SWEDEN, Maine – Joseph ‘Omar’ A. Lagasse, 86, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 with his family by his side. Omar was born in Lille, on August 18, 1930, the son of Come and Leona (St. Pierre) Lagasse.
Omar was a very hard worker and left school in the fifth grade to help take care of his family. He worked for many years at Bird’s Eye and then retired from Loring Air Force Base while working Civil Service. He was never a complainer, even when losing some fingers while working at Bird’s Eye, he continued his hard work ethic.
Omar had a quick wit, was very funny, and loved to sing and listen to Christian music. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, woodworking and was a fantastic cook. He raised others as his own children, was very generous, and always told each of his kids and grandkids, “I love you more.” He was married 54 years to the love of his life and “stubborn Swede,” Norma.
Omar is survived by his wife, Norma (Akerson), his children, Tommy Lagasse of Sanford, Cheryl Lagasse of New Sweden, Lori Lagasse of Caribou, Brenda Skidds of Berwick and Charlie Pelkey of New Sweden, whom he thought of as a son. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, James Skidds Jr., Danielle Nichols, Cassandra Davenport, Molly Davenport, Robert Desjardins, Jade Lagasse, and Jaime Lagasse, his great-grandchildren, Emma Corey, Jensen Corey, Braelyn Lagasse, Charlie Bodwell, Simeone Hogan and a special cat, Einstein.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers and one sister, a son, Gary Lagasse, and a daughter, Kimberly Desjardins.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover Street, Caribou. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.lancastermorgan.com
