George Rosario Pinard

EL PASO, Texas – George Rosario Pinard, 78, of El Paso, Texas, died on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, after a long illness. George was born in Lewiston on May 29, 1946, the son of Leo and Noella (Dupuis) Pinard. He attended Sabattus, Lewiston, and Auburn schools.

George’s love for all things mechanical and automotive started as a youngster on the family farm in Sabattus and continued throughout his life. He worked while in high school at Whiting’s Esso gas station in Auburn. When not working on cars at the gas station, he was often found at home repairing or rebuilding his own or friends’ cars. George was also an avid collector of coins and stamps.

After high school, George worked at Fancy Stitchers Leather Goods in Lewiston, owned by his brother, Norman. He became Norman’s “right-hand person”, handling tasks of machine maintenance and repairs, working on the production line, and shipping and deliveries. Their working relationship was cut short, as George was drafted into the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He trained as an aviation mechanic achieving recognition for his knowledge and skills by being selected as squadron leader while stationed in Thailand. From there, George and his fellow Airmen serviced fighter bombers on sorties to Vietnam. George proudly served his country in the USAF for twenty-two years, and upon discharge held the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt.).

In 1965, George married Joan Poulin of Sabattus. Together they raised their two children, Suzanne and Steven, while living abroad and stateside, sharing adventures and rich life experiences.

George retired from USAF in 1987, and settled in Clovis, NM, where he married Roberta Baca in 1992. They later moved to El Paso, Texas, where George worked for his brother, Norman, at CNA, Inc. until retiring in 2016.

George willingly helped those experiencing difficulties, doing so without judgment. He hid his compassion and soft-heartedness behind feigned toughness and a “wicked” sense of humor. George will be deeply missed by his family, many friends, and acquaintances.

He leaves behind his wife, Roberta (Baca) Pinard; his children, Suzanne (Gregory) Edsall, Steven (Julie) Pinard, step-daughter, Jennifer (Marcus) Baca; sibling, Raymond (Barbara) Pinard, half-siblings, Lorraine (Michael) Rosenberg, Elaine Martin, Gary Pinard, Leo Pinard, Brenda Pinard, Richard Pinard, Bonnie Cabral, Debbie Beaulieu, Rosalie Boyden, and Paul Pinard; his grandchildren, Amanda, Stephanie, and Joseph; many nieces, nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews; step-grandchildren Sabryna, Andronico Jr., Isaac, and Isaiah, and step great-grandchildren, Gavin and Eleanor.

He was predeceased by his parents, step-father Norman Martin, step-mother Rosamond Pinard; siblings Patricia Sicard, Cecile Castonguay, Norman Pinard, Armand Pinard, Annette Ashburn; and step-son, Andronico Baca Sr.

Funeral arrangements were made by Perches Funeral Homes in El Paso, Texas. A Visitation Service and Rosary were held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at Queen of Peace Parish, El Paso, Texas, followed by internment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, Texas. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard conducted the military funeral honors.

Donations in George’s memory may be made to:

Vietnam Veterans of

America

(http://vva.org) and:

the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society

55 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240 (https://gahumane.org)