NORMAND METHOT
Oct. 2, 1931 – June 27, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Normand Methot, 94, of Biddeford, passed away surrounded by his family at home on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
He was born in Biddeford on October 2, 1931, a son of Omer and Nolia (Gaudette) Methot.
Normand graduated from St. Louis High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nason College, class of 1955.
Normand established Methot Insurance in 1958. The family business continues today in Biddeford, family run, by the next generation.
Being from the generation of hard work, Normand also was proprietor of Methot Buick & Cadillac in Biddeford from 1974 to 1991.
Normand cherished the relationships he made in business. The customers became his friends and he spoke highly of these relationships right up until his passing. He will be sadly missed.
He is survived by his wife Huiju Methot; by three sons, Steven Methot, Gregory Methot and Brian Methot; by three grandchildren, Katelyn Martin, Amanda Methot Vigue and Samuel Methot; and by one great-grandchild, Sutton Noelle Vigue. He is also survived by his former wife Doris Methot and two nieces.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 6, at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Normand’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
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RICHARD A. GRAVES
July 13, 1964 – June 28, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Richard A. Graves Jr., 61, of Saco, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.
Richard was born in Melrose, Mass., at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on July 13, 1964, a son of Richard Sr. and Joan (Chaulk) Graves.
His growing years began in Reading, Massachusetts, but at the age of six his family relocated to Saco, Maine. He was educated in the Saco School system and graduated from Thornton Academy, class of 1982.
His strong work ethic along with a talent for working with his hands led him to a career that was primarily in construction.
For many years he did countertop installations for kitchen remodels, as well as for new construction. He then worked a short time at the Portland Jetport, later returning to the trades as a carpet and flooring contractor. He was forced to retire at the age of 50 due to health issues.
Richard met the love of his life, Machelle Alves, on April 25, 2010. The couple married three years later on May 11, 2013 and settled in Saco.
Richard was a very social person and enjoyed interacting and talking with everyone, particularly with his many friends. He made so many incredible memories with his family, friends and cousins at their camp on Arlington Pond in Salem, New Hampshire. He took pride in his red 1980’s IROC Camaro and enjoyed taking it for road trips. Richard always had a soft spot for animals, with cats being at the top of his list.
Most of all, he loved his family and the tight bond they shared, especially with his cousins. He will be sadly missed by many.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Richard A. Graves Sr. and Joan Carolyn Graves, and by his stepdaughter, Taylor Machelle Hartley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Machelle Alves-Graves; by his stepson, Thomas J. Hartley; by his sister Laura, by his brother, Jim Graves and wife Marlene, by two nieces and a nephew who he was very close to, Sabrina Kilzi, Carolyn Graves and Andrew Graves; as well as by several other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours for Richard will take place from 10:00am to 11:30am; with a funeral service following at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James Street, Saco. He will be laid to rest in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.
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MICHAEL ROBERT NAKONECHNY
Oct. 10, 1955 – June 28, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Michael Robert Nakonechny, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Saco, Maine, on June 28, 2026. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on October 10, 1955, Michael was a man defined by his profound kindness, gentle nature, and genuine respect for everyone he met.
Michael graduated in 1974 from Phoenixville High School in Pennsylvania and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in 1979. He began his professional journey as a manufacturing engineer with Stanley Tools in Shaftsbury, Vermont. In 1982, he moved to Barto, Pennsylvania, to work alongside his father and raise his family. Though he built a beautiful life in Pennsylvania, Michael always held a deep love for New England, ultimately fulfilling his long-held dream of retiring to Maine in 2019.
An avid outdoorsman, Michael possessed a lifelong passion for fishing and skiing. In his later years, a neurological disorder limited his ability to pursue these activities, yet his spirit remained entirely unbroken. He was a phenomenal listener who cared deeply about the world around him. Rather than focusing on his own physical limitations, Michael found immense joy in connecting with others, eagerly listening to their adventures and warmly sharing his own. He truly appreciated the simple pleasures of life.
Michael’s greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Nakonechny; his son, Tyler Nakonechny; his daughter, Amanda Nakonechny; his brother, Paul Hunter; and his sister, Nancy Johnson. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Dylan Nakonechny and Emeline Nakonechny. He will be forever remembered as a calm, compassionate soul who left the world a better place through his quiet strength and open heart.
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GARY J. DURANCEAU
Jan. 4, 1957 – June 27, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Gary J. Duranceau, 69, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away Saturday evening, June 27, 2026, at home. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born in Biddeford, on January 4, 1957, a son of Harold and Marcelle (Cote) Duranceau.
He was raised in Biddeford alongside his brother and sister at Hills Beach. He graduated from Biddeford High School, class of 1975. In school he was on the wrestling Team and later in his life played lots of basketball and baseball.
Gary met the love of his life, Linda, in 1985. They later married on July 19th, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They spent almost 42 years married and supported each other’s families.
Gary and Linda spent a lot of time traveling and spending time together. They visited Dallas, Virginia, Baltimore, South Carolina, and many other places throughout the United States.
Gary loved to make people laugh and enjoyed getting everyone together. His love for Boston sports Teams was a well-known fact and has a dedicated sports room that is unlike any other. There was always more than one game on at any given time. He followed the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He loved to spend time playing golf with his friends.
He was also a loyal member of the Biddeford-Saco Elks Club. He was the past Exalted Ruler of the local chapter and took great pride in the work by the organization.
Most of all, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and was incredibly proud of them. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Including his beloved cats: Ivy, Emmy, Sandy, and Lexi.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Marcelle (Cote) Duranceau, his brother: James Duranceau, and brother-in-law: L. Paul Dagle.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Furbush) Duranceau, his son: Adam Duranceau and wife Miho, his stepson: Charles Burke, his sister: Sandi Daigle, his sister-in-law: Sandra Duranceau, and his grandchildren: Tyler Duranceau and Kaito Duranceau.
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JACK DIXON
Nov. 22, 1941 – June 26, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Jack Dixon of Gorham, Maine passed away on June 26, 2026 at the age of 84 after a long illness. He was the son of Harold and Vivian (Mann) Dixon, born on November 22, 1941 at the Saco Hospital.
Jack served in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from Thornton Academy in 1960. While coaching Little League in Saco from 1973 – 1975, he met Joanne who became his wife for 51 years. Jack worked at H.M. Payson for 40 years, working his way up to Managing Director and Partner.
His passion for following and investing in the stock market continued throughout his retirement. Jack was a kind, light hearted and loving man with a generous heart. He was deeply devoted to his family, supporting and guiding them whenever possible. He enjoyed traveling, was an avid golfer with membership at Deep Brook Golf Course since 2002 and loved playing cribbage with his family. He was often heard saying, “I’m in a good position to win” …whether he was or not.
Jack is survived by his wife Joanne Dixon, his son David Dixon and his wife Ginger of Dayton, his daughter Lisa Hebert and her husband Norman of Ogunquit, step sons Daniel Labbe and wife Wanda of East Waterboro, Kenneth Labbe and wife Penny of Saco and Gary Labbe of Gorham; five grandchildren, Kristen Labbe, Heather Dixon, Jordyn Mobley, Eva Labbe and Ashley Smith and two great granddaughters, Aria Crockett and Alexis Burger. He is predeceased by one granddaughter Leisha Tarbox.
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MICHELLE ELAINE (BELANGER) MONDOR
July 31, 1947 – June 26, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Michelle Elaine (Belanger) Mondor, 78, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Michelle was born in Biddeford, Maine, at the old Webber Hospital on July 31, 1947, a daughter of Leo Paul and Muriel (Mathurin) Belanger. She was educated at St. Joseph Elementary School, and graduated from St. Joseph High School, class of 1965.
Michelle then went on to attend the University of Southern Maine, receiving her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, and her Graduate Degree in School Counseling.
Michelle married the love of her life, Donald N. Mondor, on January 29, 1966. Due to Donald’s 20-year career with the United States Air Force the young couple had the opportunity to live in many places around the country and in Turkey. Michelle always considered this a blessing, as she had the good fortune of seeing much of the world, and was able to meet so many great people.
Michelle worked as a school counselor from 1994 to 2011, giving her guidance and compassion to students in Fort Fairfield, Biddeford High School and Sanford Elementary School.
She was a devout Christian who attended St. David Episcopal Church in Kennebunk.
In her free time, Michelle enjoyed participating in various sports, such as softball, basketball, racquetball and soccer. She treasured the time she devoted to her sons’ activities; coaching their soccer teams, being their Cub Scout leader, and teaching them Sunday school.
Most of all, Michelle cherished being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and considered this as her greatest accomplishment. She truly loved being able to spend time with those she held closest, and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Michelle was predeceased by her parents; by her son, Kevin Mondor in 1970; and by her grandson, Ethan Mondor in 2023.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Mondor of 60 years; by her son, Rodney Mondor and husband Steven of Berwick; by her son Steven Mondor and wife Stacey of Biddeford; by her grandson, Camden Mondor of Biddeford; and by two great-grandchildren, Anastasia and Eva. Michelle is also survived by three siblings, Rodney Belanger and wife Priscilla of Windham, Donna Dion and husband Michael of Biddeford, and Sandra Labranche and husband Roger of Florida; as well as by several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17, at St. David Episcopal Church in Kennebunk. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. Burial will be private.
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DWIGHT A. VERRILL
July 17, 1935 – June 26, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Dwight A. Verrill, 90, of Hollis, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Pinnacle Health & Rehab in North Berwick.
He was born in Biddeford, Maine on July 17, 1935, the son of Basil and Arita (Church) Verrill. He grew up in Saco and graduated from Thornton Academy in 1956 where he played on the high school football team.
Following his graduation, Dwight enlisted in the United States Air Force and faithfully served his country until his honorable discharge.
Dwight married the love of his life, Madeline B. Peacock, in 1957. The couple first met very early on in kindergarten, and were best friends growing up.
Dwight worked as an electronics technician for most of his working career. He officially retired in 1995.
In his younger days, Dwight enjoyed golfing and hunting with his father. His love for hunting continued into his later years, along with gardening and taking care of his lawn and property. Dwight and Madeline also enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas together.
Most of all he cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dwight was predeceased by his two brothers, Larry Verrill and Roger Verrill, and by his sister, Nancy Verrill.
Dwight is survived by his wife, Madeline Verrill; by his two sons, Joseph Verrill Sr. and Christopher Verrill; by his grandchildren, Christina-Marie, Jessica, Dawn, Heidi, Michelle, Joseph Jr., Thomas and Jamie; by many great-grandchildren; by his sister, Norma Guilton; along with several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 293 Beach Street in Saco.
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STEVEN J. KALOYARES
Aug. 4, 1987 – June 29, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Steven J. Kaloyares, 38, of Brookside Drive, Biddeford passed away Monday, June 29, at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford.
He was born on August 4, 1987 in Biddeford the son of Constantinos and Alice Desrusseaux Kaloyares.
Steven attended local schools and graduated from Thornton Academy in 2005.
Steven worked as a child with his father mowing lawns at Prospect Manor. After high school, Steven worked for Ron Forest Fencing and most recently as an excavator operator for CPRC recycling in Westbrook.
Steven enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking, spending time with his dog Riley and listening to music.
Survivors include his parents of Dayton and a brother Adam Kaloyares of Louisianna.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Dennett, Craig & Pate, 365 Main St, Saco are entrusted with his services.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 