South Portland – John Kenneth Gendreau, 73, passed away at home on July2, 2023.

John was born in Portland to Wilfred Louis Gendreau and Alma Lillian (Rondeau) Gendreau, the last of seven children.

He attended Portland Schools and graduated from Portland High School in 1969.  John joined the U.S. Air Force in 1969, serving at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware until he retired in 1973.  He was a bugle player in the Fifth Regiment Defenders Drum and Bugle Corps.

John worked at Bath Iron Works for thirty years, retiring in 2012.

John was a member of the South Portland Lions Club for 31 years and was currently serving as president of the club.

He enjoyed playing guitar and singing with his brothers Robert and Donald, driving his antique cars, wintering with his wife in Florida in their camper, playing pool and playing blackjack at Oxford Casino.

He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Wilfred and Donald, sisters Dorothy Cousineau, Claire Clifford and Elaine Mercier, and his stepson John Rudolph Sawyer.

John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Charlene; two stepsons, Charles Frederick Sawyer of South Portland and Thomas Paul Sawyer and his wife Jody of Gray; brother Robert Gendreau and his wife Connie of South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the South Portland Lions Club, c/o John Willis, Treasurer, 96 Rockaway Road, Falmouth, ME03  04105.