DEXTER - Albert J. Lagasse, 81, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2012, at The Dexter Nursing Home.

Albert, one of fourteen children, was born December 18, 1929, in Old Town to Albert and Alice (Dionne) Lagasse. He attended Old Town High School, until joining the U.S. Navy in 1947, where he served aboard The USS Charles H. Roan destroyer. He later married his wife of 61 years, Elda Bourgeois, of Bouctouch, New Brunswick, Canada.

Following his stay in the Navy, Buck worked for the A&P food stores in Ellsworth, Bar Harbor and Dover- Foxcroft. Eventually, in partnership with his brother Pete, he bought and operated Lagasse's IGA in Dexter for more than 30 years. Finally, in 1987, Buck retired as a meat cutter from Bud's Shop & Save in Newport.

Buck, a faithful and devoted patriarch of his family, is survived by his wife Elda Lagasse, two children: Glenn Lagasse of Saco and Janet Lagasse and husband, Russell Brackett of Yarmouth, grandchildren: Rachael Strain and husband Dean Strain of Smith Mountain Lake, VA. and Stephanie Pooler and partner Michael Gagne of Portland, Troy Lagasse of Saco and his sister Bonita Lagasse of Florida, great grandchildren: Tyler and Garrett Strain and Rae Lynne Lagasse. He is also survived by brother James Lagasse and wife Donna of Dexter and sister Adeline "Connie" St. Louis of Old Town as well as several nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Phil and Carolyn Theriault, Pete and Barb Mealey and all their wonderful neighbors. Buck was well respected by all and will be sadly missed.

A Christian Mass will be celebrated at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Dexter on Friday, June 22 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your charity of choice.

Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter.