STANDISH - Romeo O. Marquis passed peacefully with his wife and family by his side on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Standish, ME. Romeo was born on March 31,1940 in Fort Kent, Maine, eldest son of Romeo and Gertrude Marquis.
Romeo is survived by his wife Claudette Marquis; his children Diane Marquis and boyfriend Robert Farwell of Lyman and Lisa King and husband John of Standish; five grandchildren, Kristina Lannigan and husband Brian Lannigan and their children Caleb and Brayden, Karen King and fiance Andrew Linscott and their children Hailey and Jack, Cheryl Tarasiak and husband Max Tarasiak and their son, Isaiah (expecting another baby in August), Amy Emery and her children Gabriel, Sydney, Ronan and Rosalie, and Heather Cook and her children Annabella and Scarlett. He is also survived by his brothers Joel Marquis and wife Cathy and John Marquis and Jim and sisters Claire Marquis and husband Bob and Fran Marquis and wife Robin and several nieces and nephews. Romeo is predeceased by his parents, Romeo and Gertrude Marquis and his brother Philip Marquis.
Romeo and Claudette joyously celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April of this year. Romeo enjoyed sharing with others that he had 2 callings in life. First and foremost he was called to be married and have a family. When he was a senior at St. Francis High School in Biddeford, Romeo was asked by a priest whether he might consider becoming a priest .Romeo quickly replied, “Oh no, I want to be married and have a family!” What a tremendous husband and father he became!
After graduating from Saint Francis High School, Romeo attended Fort Kent State Teachers College where he met the love of his life, Claudette. He then transferred to the University of Maine at Orono where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. A few years later, Romeo went on to earn his Masters Degree in Education in Administration. Later on in life, Romeo studied at Boston College, which led to his second calling.
Romeo’s love of science led him to become a high school chemistry teacher, but it was his innate ability to lead that quickly propelled him to the principalship. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Romeo eventually became self-employed as a leadership consultant where he impacted many school systems, and eventually he did ground-breaking work helping high schools and colleges develop online curriculum far before it was the norm.
Romeo’s second calling was again stepping into a leadership role at Blessed Sacrament in Worcester, MA. As leader of Faith Formation in the Parish, Romeo found innovative ways of inspiring youth to deepen their Faith and connection to God. He touched many lives in this Parish including students, parents, Priests, and Nuns, and they all impacted him as well! His family witnessed Romeo being the most inspired he had ever been, and they knew that this calling was what all the other experiences of his life had led him to.
The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice of Massachusetts and Maine for all of the loving care they provided for Romeo and his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday June 19th at 10 AM at St. Anne’s Church, 299 Main St., Gorham.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com