Claude J. Giguere

WATERVILLE – Claude J. Giguere passed away peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor, Maine, after suffering for many years from dementia on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with his two daughters at his side.

Claude was born Oct. 3, 1932, on Water Street in Waterville and was the 3rd son of the late Willie and Claudianna (Rodrigue) Giguere. He was a graduate of Waterville Senior High School class of 1952 and served four years in the US Navy and was a Korean War veteran.

Claude was a 3-letter star athlete in High School. There were many Waterville Morning Sentinel articles written documenting the many exploits of Claude “Jigger” Giguere. When he wasn’t carrying the football, he was on the other side of the ball tackling opponents. This same tenacity carried over into his hockey and track career.

After leaving the Navy Claude met and married the love of his life, the late Camilla (Dyer) Giguere, on June 4, 1960, and they remained together for almost 64 years until the untimely death of Camilla.

Claude was a jack of all trades and could almost do anything he set his mind to. He worked as a pipefitter at Keyes Fibre for 27 years but as a Master Plumber he was always off doing side jobs. Many nights were interrupted at dinner by a phone call from a distressed relative or other person concerning a plumbing or heating problem. The conversation would often start in English but soon turned to French Canadian as many of his customers/relatives were from that community.

In addition to working for others Claude was also kept busy by the many properties that he owned. HIs favorite was his and Camilla’s camp on Great Pond. He transformed a very rough 1-bedroom shack into a place where he would spend many summers with Camilla and their six children. It seemed like with the passing of each year he would add a new feature to the camp.

His retirement years were filled with many projects. He and Camilla did many trips traveling during the winter months. Claude was always willing to help any of his children with any projects they needed done at their houses. He would often show up early in the morning with Camilla in tow and he would complete the project by himself by the end of the day and off he would go.

Claude was a devout Roman Catholic who rarely missed a Sunday Mass. The only thing that slowed down Claude was the gradual onset of dementia.

Claude was predeceased by his parents, wife, sisters Theresa and Joanne Veilleux, brothers Rene, Raymond and Leopold.

He is survived by his children Stephen (Pamela) Giguere of Dover NH, Catherine (Thomas) Suttie of Waterville, Michael Giguere and his long time partner Annelyse of Reading, Mass., Jeanne Giguere and her long time partner Josh of Albion, Maine, David Giguere of Brooks, Maine, Tony Giguere and his fiancé Taryn of Topsham, Maine. He also had several grandchildren, Jesse and Cody Pomeroy, Tom (Emeline) Suttie, Lauren (Nick) Lewis, Abby, Belle and Jeremy Giguere. He also had several great grandchildren, Parks, Willa, Hayes and Piper Lewis and Thomas and Winona Suttie. Claude is also survived by his sister Annette Rancourt, sister-in-law Rolande and Jeanne Giguere; and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Claude would like to thank the staff at the Memory Impaired Unit (B) at the Maine Veterans home in Bangor for the outstanding level of care that they provided to Claude during his two years stay there. In addition to them, he received outstanding Hospice care from his nurse Laura during his time there.

There will be a mass of Christian Burial at Notre Dame Church on June 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. followed by a graveside service at St Francis Cemetery in Waterville.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers,

please consider making a donation to:

the Maine Veterans Home