Lucien A. DROLET

SOMERSWORTH — Lucien A. Drolet, 90, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on July 23, 2005. A lifelong resident of Somersworth, he was born June 17, 1915, and was the son of the late Joseph and Virginia (Roy) Drolet.Lucien proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1938, he founded General Linen Service. The company still operates today as one of the community's largest and most successful employers and continues to be run by his children and grandchildren.Lucien most enjoyed celebrating life with his family and friends at his beach house on Moody Beach in Maine. He was widely respected by all who knew him for many reasons including his kindness, generosity, strong work ethic and his love for God, country and family.He was a former member of the Lions Club and was a 60-year member of the American Legion Post 69 of Somersworth.He was deeply loved and admired by his wife and family. In his final days he often repeated these words, "I had a good life, I am a lucky man."He is survived by a son, David Drolet of Somersworth; a son, Marc Drolet and his wife, Donna, of Manchester; a daughter, Denise Drolet-Lugg and her husband, Vincent, of Barrington; two sisters, Anita Turgeon of Somersworth, Bea Bosse and her husband, Leo, of Dover; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Ida (Gagne) Drolet in 1999, and his sister, Irene (Drolet) Richard.Calling hours at Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South St., Somersworth, will be on Wednesday, July 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. American Legion Services will be held in the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 28, at 10 a.m. in St. Martin Catholic Church, 120 Maple St., Somersworth, with the Rev. Aaron Pfaff, pastor as celebrant. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Somersworth.Those who wish are invited to make memorials in his name to the Sister Judith's Scholarship Fund, c/o Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Somersworth, NH 03878 or to Seacoast Hospice, 642 Central Ave. Dover, NH 03820.To view and sign the online guestbook, in Lucien's name, please visit, www.bernierfuneralhome.