Henry Edmond Tanguay, 82 of Gray, passed away peacefully on November 24^th surrounded by his family. 

Henry was born in Westbrook, Maine on July 13, 1935, one of 13 children, a son of Albert and Anna Tanguay, and he attended St. Hyacinth’s schools.

Henry joined the U. S. Navy in 1956 where he became an aircraft mechanic.  He joined the Navy to see the world, but ended up stationed in Brunswick, Maine, practically his backyard.  He then received a recommendation for his mechanical expertise. He was honorably discharged from the Navy and transferred to the reserves until 1962.

Henry dedicated his entire life to the Catholic Church at a very young age starting as an altar boy of St. Hyacinth’s Church.  He later joined the Knights of Columbus attaining his 4^th degree, by the age of 28.  For the past 47 years he has been an usher and altar server for St. Gregory’s Parish Church of Gray.

After his discharge from the Navy, he went to work for S.D. Warren, where he worked until he retired at the young age of 58.

In 1958 he met the love of life, Rita Daniels.  They Married in September of 1959.  They raised 6 children on the farm of his dreams, which he and Rita bought in 1970, in Gray. For ten years Henry and Rita, with the help of neighbors and family, raised chickens for Hillcrest Farm and became one of the top growers in the State.

Henry enjoyed fishing and planting his large vegetable garden that he loved to share with family and friends.  He will always be remembered for his deep love for his family and his church.  His love for Christmas showed in the care he took to decorate his home.

Henry is predeceased by his beloved daughter Rebecca (Tanguay) Aube, as well as his parents, six brothers, and three sisters.

He was a very loving, caring, and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita (Daniels) Tanguay, daughters Regina and husband Ken LaMarche of Florida, Simone and husband Steve Wright of Gray, Lucille and husband Phil Strout of Gray, Pam and husband Tracy Stone of New Gloucester; and his only son, Matthew and wife Tammy Tanguay, of Gray. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters; Yvette Girouard, Constance Baillargeon, and Margaret Palmer, all of Westbrook.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrate at St. Gregory’s Parish in Gray, on Saturday December 2, at 10:00 am, followed by a reception in the parish hall.  Burial will be at 1:00pm at the Gray Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Androscoggin home care and The Hospice House, for the care and comfort they provided Henry and his family.

In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation may be made to:

                                  Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice

                                  15 Strawberry Ave.

                                   Lewiston, ME 04240

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