George Albert Provencher

George Albert Provencher, 92, passed away on August 27, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on February 22, 1934, in Sanford, Maine, the twelfth of thirteen children born to Henri and Anna (Cartier) Provencher in a French- speaking household. From boyhood he was drawn to service, even working in a firehouse as a kid, a calling he never left behind.

Service was the thread that ran through George's entire life. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, embarking on a career as colorful as it was distinguished, including time served in Vietnam. He was stationed in various locations throughout his service, with his wife, Ruth, and their children, Bill and Donna, by his side. Alongside his Air Force duties, he also served as a volunteer firefighter. Firefighting became the culmination of his career and his greatest professional satisfaction: he retired in 1984 as Fire Chief, later coming out of retirement to serve as Fire Chief once more during the first Desert Storm. He was also a well-respected trainer, dedicated to preparing firefighters for the rapidly evolving technology of the job, and his contributions were honored several times throughout his career, including the USAF Civil Engineering Meritorious Achievement Award and the Clinton County Firemen's Association Fireman of the Year Award.

Later in life, George and his wife, Joan, built a rich and full life together. They were deeply involved in their church community, took part in mission trips, and loved traveling to see family and friends.

George was known for an extraordinary ability to fix, build, and figure out anything. He was also always ready to lend a hand to those around him. He was, by all accounts, a natural storyteller with a lifetime of adventures to draw from, a sense of humor that never quit, and a deep love for his family that guided everything he did.

Left to cherish his memory: his wife Joan (Boevin); his son William Provencher (Melissa); his daughter Donna Provencher Redden: stepchildren Michael Bickford, Patricia Petty (Jason), Matthew Bickford (Suzen); grandchildren Erin Dickinson (Jaysen), Kyle Redden, Jason Provencher; step grandchildren Felicia Butler (Kyle), Tyler Bickford, Elizabeth Petty, Dean Bickford; great-grandchildren Azalea, Amara, Beau and Beckham Dickinson; step-great-grandchildren Anthony Bickford and Henry Butler; along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henri Provencher and Anna (Cartier) Provencher; his wife, Ruth (Dearborn) Provencher; seven brothers, five sisters, all of his brothers- and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made in George’s memory to the American Diabetes Association  or the American Liver Foundation Liver Foundation