BANGOR – Edwin A. Cormier passed away peacefully Jan. 20, 2012, at the Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. He was born March 14, 1919, in Bangor, the son of Oliver and Mary Emma (Bushway) Cormier.

He was a graduate of John Bapst High School and the University of Maine, Orono, earning degrees in geology and philosophy. Edwin served in World War II as a Marine aboard the USS Massachusetts, of which he was a plank owner and participated in the battle of Casablanca. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Bangor, where he served on the parish council, was a member of Holy Name Society, a lector, and was instrumental in starting the R.C.I.A. program.

Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janice (Neilander) Cormier; three children, Maureen Cormier of Bangor, Allen Cormier and his partner, Charlotte Gillen, of Bangor and Susanne and her husband, Michael Tirpak, of Richmond Hill, Ga.; three grandchildren, April and her husband, Tim Cottle, of Greenbush, Annemarie Rutherford and her fiance, Dave Belavance, of Old Town and Andrew Tirpak of Richmond Hill, Ga.; and four great-grandchildren, Jacob Cormier, Izaac Rutherford, Isabella Cottle and Hendrix Cottle; a sister-in-law, Peggy Cormier of Brewer; a brother-in-law, Terry McAloon of Claymont, Del.; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and a dear friend, Walter Whitehead of Berryville, Ark. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Oliver and Joseph; and his sisters, Rita (Collins) and Teresa (McAloon). The family thanks Dr. Michaud, Dr. Atkins and the staff of the Maine Veterans Home for their professional and compassionate care to Edwin and his family.

Family and friends may visit 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ohio Street, Bangor. Burial with military honors will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Condolences to Edwin’s family may be offered at

www.kileyandfoley.com.