Van Buren--- Joel N. Ayotte, 90, died Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at a Caribou hospital. He was born July 31, 1925 in Van Buren, a son of the late Patrick and Phoebe (Martin) Ayotte.

Joel enlisted with the US Army in 1943. His military service spanned over 20 years, serving in Germany during World War II and in Thailand during the Korean War. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1966 as Sergeant First Class. He was a life-member and former officer of the American Legion, Post #49, Van Buren.

He is survived by: five sons, Jon Ayotte of Millinocket, Allan Ayotte and Michael Ayotte, both of Van Buren, Patrick Ayotte and his wife Tina of North Waterboro and Steven Ayotte and his wife Leah of Standish; one daughter, Theresa Ayotte of Van Buren; one brother, Gene Ayotte of East Hartford, CT; two sisters, Patricia Dumont and Yvette Garvey, both of Wethersfield, CT; ten grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren

Besides his parents, Joel was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Mabel T. (Murphy) Ayotte in 2013, three sisters, Juliette Ayotte, Carmen Ayotte and Mariette Bell-Delong, and two brothers, Claude and Gilman Ayotte.