Ralph E. Tetu
HOLDEN and DEXTER – Ralph E. Tetu, 89, passed away May 2,2012, at the Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. Ralph was born in Waterville, February 18, 1923, the son of Thomas and Sadie (Poulin) Tetu.

He was raised in aconvent in Lewiston until the age of 12 and then moved to Guilford to live with his father and stepmother. He eventually moved to Dexter and worked at his father's filling station. He graduated from N.H. Fay High School, class of 1943. He joined the air force that same year and became a waist gunner on a B-17, flying missions during WWII. Ralph's plane was shot down on his 18th mission and he became a prisoner of war until his liberation in1945.

After the war, he returned toDexter and married his high school sweetheart, Constance Goulette, June 14,1947. Ralph worked at Fayscott Machineshop and later for the Dexter Postal Service until his retirement. Even today he is fondly remembered as acaring and kind postman. He was a 60-year member of the American Legion post 53, the VFW, DAV, and American Ex-Prisoners of War.

After retirement Ralphand Connie wintered in Florida. Ralph enjoyed the warm weather in Florida but truly loved his summers at his camp in Ripley, Maine, and spending time with his family. He was always "puttering" and trying to fix something that was broken. Whenthe internet came about, he was one of the first to buy a computer and try his hand at it. He loved looking up information and keeping in contact with family and friends through email. He made the effort to contact his flight crew from WWII and maintained a lifelong connection with those that remained. Ralph had an infectious smile and personality that captured the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his son Thomas and wife Carmen Tetu of Edgecomb, daughters Rita and husband Dick Hitchcock of Dexter, and Jayne and husband Colan Davis of Holden; sister Doris Gregory of Waterville; sister-in-law Frances Tetu of Skowhegan, grandchildren Ryan Tetu,Carrie White, Alyson Saunders, Megan Hitchcock and Summer Andrews; and 8 great grandchildren.

Ralph was predeceased by his wife Connie in August 2011; his son Michael in 1971; and brothers, Leo, Roger and Norman.

The family wishes to thank the Maine Veterans Home for their loving care of our father.

Relatives and friends may call 5-8p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012 at www.CrosbyNeal.com, 61 Main Street, Dexter. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 2 p.m. Sat. May 5, 2012 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Dexter. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Activities Dept., Maine Veterans Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401