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Ralph L. Hight
Aug. 30, 1943 – June 15, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Ralph L. Hight, 82, of Hills Beach, Biddeford, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Biddeford, Maine.
Born in Biddeford on August 20, 1943, Ralph was the son of Fred Kenneth Hight and Rita (Mathurin) Hight. After graduating from Biddeford High School, he proudly served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He often shared stories of his time serving overseas aboard the USS Fred T. Berry and remained a true patriot throughout his life.
In 1963, Ralph met the love of his life, Simonne Mondor, at a dance. They were married on November 12, 1966, and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary later this year. Their daughter, Karen, was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he took immense pride in watching her grow and build a family of her own.
Ralph’s work ethic was as steady as his character. Following his military service, he built a career with New England Telephone, rising to a supervisor position. After retiring from the telephone company, he continued to serve his community by working for the Biddeford Police Department.
Known for being sharp as a tack with a keen sense of humor, Ralph was a straight-shooter who never left anyone wondering what was on his mind. He loved history, especially the Civil War, and spent a lot of time reading about it and taking part in historical reenactments.
An adventurous spirit at heart, Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, and even took up car racing in his forties. He loved to tell stories about his adventures and share his knowledge with anyone who pulled up a chair beside him.
Above all, he was a devoted family man and an exceptional Pepere. At every family gathering, holiday, and graduation, he stood behind his video camera, preserving each moment as a lasting memory for his family. He was thankful to have met his great-grandsons and often expressed how much he wished for more years to watch them grow. His pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was boundless. His legacy is one of unconditional love, strong values, and enduring commitment to family.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Simonne of Hills Beach; his daughter, Karen Grenier of Old Orchard Beach; his grandson, Nicholas Grenier (Brianna) of Freeport; his granddaughter, Tayler Lauzon (Zachary) of Biddeford; his two great-grandsons, Beckett and Brooks; his sisters, Carol Aseltine of Northfield, Vermont, and Mary Lou DeLuca of Port Orange, Florida; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24,, at St. Margaret’s Church in Old Orchard Beach, followed by a Graveside Service with military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery, Biddeford. There will also be a Celebration of Life at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford following the burial. READ MORE
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Phyllis H. Phipps
July 3, 1933 – June 15, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Phyllis H. Phipps, 92, of Saco, passed away peacefully and went home to be with her Lord on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Saco, Maine.
Phyllis was born in New Bedford, Mass., on July 3, 1933, the daughter of Sidney Hacking and Stella (Talbot) Hacking.
Phyllis was predeceased by her parents and her four sisters: Gladys Dobija, Marion Kramer, Ruth Phipps, and Eleanor Watts.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter: Cheryl Everett and husband Stephen, her son: Donald Phipps and wife Heather, and her grandchildren: Stephanie Everett, Emily Everett, Dean Phipps and wife Caroline, and Matthew Phipps, and her great-grandchild: Claire Phipps.
In accordance with Phyllis’ wishes, there will be no services. READ MORE
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Roger Chasse
Sept. 22, 1942 – Jan. 9, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Roger Chasse, 83, passed peacefully on Jan. 9, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida.
Roger was born in Biddeford on Sept. 22, 1942 to Armand and Ida Chasse. Roger married Kathy Cyr in December 1976 and spent the next 46 years by her side. They moved to Clearwater in the fall of 1996.
Roger is predeceased by his wife Kathy and sister Louise Moran. Roger is survived by his son David Chasse and Stepdaughter Dianne and her husband Chuck Rowe, 4 grandchildren Joey Chasse, Alexandria and Ben Rowe, and Magella Cantara.
Roger served our country as a member of the armed forces in the Army. He worked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard retiring in 1993 with more than 30 years of service. Roger graduated from the New England School of Mechanical Dentistry in 1979 and became a small business owner as a dental lab tech, fabricating and repairing porcelain crowns and bridges in his home lab.
Roger was loved by all who met him and never turned down the opportunity to lend a helping hand. Roger will be missed greatly in his Ranch Mobile community as well as by all who had the joy of knowing him. READ MORE
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Francois George Rene LaRoche
Nov. 14, 1928 – June 12, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Francois George Rene LaRoche, affectionately known as Rene to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 97.
Born on November 14, 1928, in Claremont, New Hampshire, to Adelard and Parmelia (Trudeau) LaRoche, Rene lived a life marked by faith, family, hard work, and love. Though born in New Hampshire, his heart belonged to Maine, the state he proudly called home and loved throughout his life.
Rene dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he built a reputation for hard work, dependability, and professionalism. He retired from the Shipyard after a long and honorable career, providing faithfully for his family and taking pride in a job well done.
A devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated provider, Rene believed that family was life’s greatest blessing. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Priscille LaRoche, with whom he raised his family and shared many years of love and devotion. Later in life, he was blessed to find companionship and happiness through his marriage to Priscilla LaRoche, who also predeceased him.
He leaves behind his children, Donald LaRoche, Brenda LaRoche Deprey, and Gary LaRoche, along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many friends whose lives were enriched by his example.
An avid outdoorsman, Rene found great joy in fishing, hunting, camping, and golfing. Some of his family’s most treasured memories are the countless fishing trips, hunting adventures, and camping excursions they shared together over the years. Those experiences created bonds and memories that will be cherished for generations.
Most importantly, Rene was a man of faith. He taught traditional Christian values to his children and grandchildren through both his words and his example. His life reflected the importance of honesty, integrity, perseverance, and love. The lessons he passed on will continue to influence future generations of his family.
Those who knew Rene will remember his steady character, his devotion to family, his love of the outdoors, his loyalty to friends, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Above all, he was a faithful husband, an excellent father, a proud grandfather, and a man whose life reflected quiet strength and enduring faith.
While his family mourns his passing, they are grateful for the blessing of his long life and for the countless memories he leaves behind. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the values he taught, and the example he set.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. READ MORE
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Rhonda Jean Millette
Sept. 16, 1967 – June 10, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Rhonda Jean Millette, 58, passed away on June 10, 2026 after a long, courageous battle with breast cancer. Through every step of her journey, she faced her illness with immense grace, bravery, and an unwavering spirit.
Rhonda was a vibrant soul who truly knew how to live, and she never let life get her down. She loved to laugh, and her joy was entirely contagious to anyone in her presence. More than anything, Rhonda had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel loved. Her friends were a vital part of her world; she cherished her friendships fiercely and nurtured them with a loyal, generous, and devoted heart.
While Rhonda brought light to so many areas of life, her greatest accomplishment and the absolute pride of her life was her son, Brandon. Her love for him was boundless, and her spirit will undoubtedly live on through him and the beautiful family he built.
True to her selfless nature and desire to help others, Rhonda graciously chose to donate her remains to medical science through the University of New England, with the profound hope of advancing research to ultimately eradicate the horrible disease of breast cancer.
She is survived by her beloved son, Brandon Salvato, his wife Kate, and her cherished grandson, Matthew of Gray; her loving mother, Beverly McCombs of Saco; her sisters, Jennifer King and her longtime partner Neil Cormack of Saco, and Michelle Blow and her husband James of Saco; as well as several nephews Jordan, Zachary, and Preston. Her beloved Friend Kathy Mcdee, and an abundance of extended family and dear friends who stood faithfully by her side.
She was reunited in rest with her beloved nephew, Joshua Blow; of Saco and her brother-in-law, Jay King of Arundel.
Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Pine Point center in Scarborough, Maine, for the exceptional and dignified care they provided to Rhonda in her final days.
A celebration of Rhonda’s resilient spirit and beautiful life will be held at a later time. READ MORE
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 