WINTHROP ? Paul F. Audette, 76, of Leighton Drive, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at his home with his wife of 52 years, Bertha, his six sons, his only daughter, and other members of his family at his side. Paul was born and raised in Winthrop, the third son of Mable and Paul A. Audette. Paul's brother, Roger Audette and his wife, Annette, live in Clearwater, Fla. Paul's second brother, Richard Audette, passed away October 2001; Richard's wife Audrey moved to Boothbay Harbor. Paul graduated from Winthrop High School in 1944. He served in the Navy during World War II and Korea serving his country overseas and stateside. After two tours in the Navy, Paul and Bertha moved to California where he started his career and their family of seven children. He was a proud and active member of Millwright Local 1607 in Southern California for 26 years before his retirement to Maine in 1979. He supervised millwright crews throughout California and the United States, often stopping in Maine for a quick visit with his family. Paul introduced his seven children to Maine and the United States with several cross-country trips from California to Maine. He shared his love for his country, its history and its magnificent beauty as well as his fondness of Winthrop with all his children. Upon retirement to Maine, Paul was a permanent fixture working in the Village Green hardware store on Main Street as well as Ned's Coffee Shop, where he was a member in good and not-so-good standing of the morning coffee club. You could also find him several times a week at the local library. He was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting the local library and the Maine State Library in Augusta. Survivors include his wife, Bertha; one brother, Roger and his wife, Annette; sons, Douglas Audette and wife, Dora, of Sacramento, Calif., Paul Audette and wife, Carol, of China Village, Mark Audette of Portland, Michael Audette and wife, Carla, of Greenville, S.C., Richard Audette and wife, Carrie, of Rockland; daughter, Paula Audette of Winthrop, and son, Roger J. Audette and wife, Angie, of Winthrop; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the C.M. Bailey Library, 39 Bowdoin St., Winthrop 04364; or Winthrop Fire Department, 18 Town Hall Lane, Winthrop 04364.