GARDINER - Albert Wilfred Lachapelle, 78, a resident of Augusta Rehabilitation Center, formerly of Gardiner and Winthrop, died Monday, June 7, 2010. He was born in Winthrop on July 9, 1931, the son of Camille P. and Leonie D. (Currier) Lachapelle. Despite his physical limitations as a result of polio at the age of 28, Albert won the respect of everyone who knew him with his determination, winning smile and his need to help others. He attended school in Winthrop and earned his General Educational Development certificate from Gardiner Adult Education. On June 19, 1982, he married Helena St. Pierre. In 1983, they moved from Winthrop to Gardiner. Albert was a member of the Knights of Columbus 1299 in Gardiner, receiving the honor of the Fourth Degree. In 2003, he was awarded the Gardiner Spirit of America Foundation Award for Unsung Heroes. For seven years, he worked as a crossing guard at the old Central Street School and at the Laura E. Richards School. Always wanting to be busy, he worked part time as a custodian at Johnson Hall. A devout Catholic, he attended St. Joseph's Church, where he served as a greeter and usher, and volunteered at their weekly beano games. Albert and his wife, Helena, can be remembered walking from their apartment on Neal Street to the Common, or downtown to Gerard's, their hangout for a cup of coffee. Albert was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Joseph, Ronald, Robert, Paul and Norman; and his sisters, Germaine and Doris. He is survived by his loving wife, Helena (St. Pierre), of Winthrop Manor; sisters-in-law Virginia Coady, of Winthrop, and Orena Hodgkins, of Canton; as well as several nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 11, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Winthrop. Burial will be in Glenside Cemetery. All are invited back to the funeral home for a reception after the burial. A very special thank-you for the care given to him for the past four years by the staff at Augusta Rehabilitation Center and Beacon Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Albert's memory may be made to Augusta Rehabilitation Center, 188 Eastern Ave., Augusta, ME 04330; or Beacon Hospice, c/o The Lighthouse Foundation, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneral homes.com.