Maurice Levesque, 88: War Veteran, Former State Rep., Longtime Nashua Business Owner

BEDFORD - Maurice J. Levesque, 88, of Bedford a former longtime resident of Nashua, passed away July 23, 2013 in the Bedford Falls Assisted Living Facility.

 Mr. Levesque was born on May 5, 1925, son of the late Albert and Marie Jeanne (Carle) Levesque of Nashua. A 1943 graduate of Nashua High School, he was a lifelong communicant of Infant Jesus Parish in Nashua, having served on the original parish council. He lived in Nashua’s Crown Hill section for 42 years.

Mr. Levesque was a veteran of World War II, serving as a machinist’s mate 3rd class with the U.S. Navy’s 115th N.C.B. (Naval Construction Battalion-Seabees) from 1943-1946, in Milne Bay, New Guinea, and in the invasion of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines. He also took part in rebuilding the Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines.

Upon his discharge, Mr. Levesque joined his father in the A. Levesque & Son Plumbing and Heating Business, taking over in 1959 upon his father’s retirement. Mr. Levesque himself retired in 1989, bringing to a close the firm’s 50-year history. That same year he and his wife, Gloria A. (Gaudreau) Levesque, moved to Crystal River FL, where they were communicants of St. Benedict Church. Mr. Levesque was active in the parish’s men’s club as well as serving as an usher and as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, bringing Communion to the housebound. He was a member of the Pillar Society of Lecanto FL and a member of Island x18 Seabees of Citrus County. The Levesques returned to New Hampshire full time in May 2010.

A member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1975-1988, representing Nashua’s Ward 7, he served on many committees and was elected chairman of the Hillsborough County Delegation for 1987-1988.

He was a 68-year member of Hudson Post #48, American legion, serving as post commander as well as in other offices. He was the first veteran of World War II to be elected commander of the Legion’s District #2, in 1948. Nearly two decades later, he was elected commander of the Department of New Hampshire, serving 1967-1968, during the 50th anniversary of the American Legion. He was then elected Alternate National Executive Committeeman, representing New Hampshire Legionnaires on many veterans committees. At his testimonial he was presented a life membership in the American Legion, becoming the first member of his post to achieve this honor. He was also a member of the original Hudson Post #48 Firing Squad.

A 20-year summer resident of Shellcamp Lake in Gilmanton, Mr. Levesque attended St. Joseph Church in Belmont and was a longtime member of its 300 Club. A former member of the Nashua Kiwanis Club, he served as its president in 1965, during the 50th anniversary of the national organization. He was also a past president and secretary to the former Nashua Council of Licensed Clubs.

Mr. and Mrs. Levesque celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2012.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters; Diane R. Levesque of Alexandria VA, and Jeannine T. Levesque of Nashua. Predeceased by another daughter, Louise J. (Levesque) Hills, and her husband, Air Force Staff Sgt. George C. Hills III, who died together in a private plane crash in 1973. Mr. Levesque is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Lilianne (Levesque) Trudeau of New Port Richey, FL, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as two godchildren, Susan Gaudreau of New Bedford MA and Mrs. Linda (Pelkey) Pygon of Greene NY.