Joseph Bouchard Jr

CARIBOU – Joseph Bouchard Jr., 96, died May 20, 2023 at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou. He was born in Presque Isle, August 21, 1926, the son of the late Joseph and Isabelle (Chambers) Bouchard Sr. Mr. Bouchard was a graduate of Caribou High School, and served with the United States Navy during World War II. He was a life member of the Lister-Knowlton Post 9389 V.F.W. and the Henry B. Pratt Post 15 American Legion. Joe began his banking career at Casco Northern Bank and quickly worked his way up, becoming branch manager. In 1958 he went to work for Loring Federal Credit Union (now known as County Federal) where he became president until his retirement in 1983. Joe was extremely involved in his community, where he was President of the Caribou Jaycees, and in 1957 he was elected National Jaycee President. He served as president of the Maine Credit Union League where he served as chairman of the CUNA consumer affairs committee. Mr. Bouchard was president of the Caribou Chamber of Commerce, president of the Caribou School Board, and following retirement was elected to the Caribou City Council. Joe served on many more boards and clubs, too numerous to mention, but he consistently demonstrated his commitment to serving the community and always tried to make Caribou a better place. He was named Caribou Citizen of the Year and was an active committee member for Caribou’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. He was a lifelong member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and was also a member of the Caribou Historical Society.
Joe is survived by two sons, Michael Bouchard of Caribou, and Greg Bouchard of Dover-Foxcroft, one brother, Reginald Bouchard. Mr. Bouchard was predeceased by two sisters, Mavis Gahagan and Adelia “Dolly” Bouchard, five brothers, Dwayne, Eugene “Dale”, Richard “Dick”, Gerry, and Robert “Robbie”.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, at 1 pm, Wednesday, May 31, 2023.