PORTLAND — Ernest P. Simard Sr., 74, formerly of Portland, died April 22 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

He was born in Van Buren, a son of Frank and Irene Simard. In 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. After his two-year enlistment, he served 18 years in the Army Reserve, where he retired as a sergeant first class. He worked at New England Insulation for more than 25 years before retiring in 1985. He enjoyed playing bingo and cooking.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gwendolyn Simard; a son, Philip Simard Sr.; his brothers, Joseph, Lucian, Sylvio, Ralph and Reed; and his sisters, Alice Curran and Gertrude Hunt.

He is survived by his children, Irene Simard, and her boyfriend, Rey Dejesus, Charlene Simard, Tammy Burrington, and her boyfriend, Mike, Ernie Simard, Steven Simard, and his wife, Elizabeth, David Simard, Arthur Simard, and his wife, Kathy; his siblings, Lionel, Germain Simard, Doris Duprey and Marie Simard; a cousin, Irene Scott, and her husband, Richard; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Darriana Simard for the wonderful care she provided to her grandfather.

A memorial service was held Monday at A.T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services, in Portland, followed by burial at Forest City Cemetery in South Portland.