2025 Biddeford Hall of Fame
Jim Beaudry
Coach, Teacher, Storyteller, Friend
August 19, 1923 – December 3, 2020
When one mentions St. Francis College or the University of
New England, the name of Jim Beaudry will inevitably
be part of the conversation. With a 57-year relationship with the
school and its students, as athletic director and coach of multiple sports, he was loved by his athletes, not only because of his knowledge of sports, but also because of the life lessons that he conveyed to them every day.
Qano Bilishti
Representing Albanian Immigrants, Mosque Founders, Mill Workers
Beginning in the 1880’s, the Pepperell Manufacturing
Company began recruiting Albanian men to work as
designers and dyers in the Biddeford mill. Immigrants, for
decades, performed the bulk of the labor in the mills, and
Albanian men were specifically recruited because of their
historical and expert knowledge of fabrics. Most of these men
came alone and into a world that was religiously and culturally
different from their homeland. Because of that void, there remained a need to maintain
aspects of their cultural identity.
Lucien “Babe” Dutremble
Public Servant, Green Street Area Legend
September 27, 1922 – February 7, 2006
A legendary politician, Lucien “Babe” Dutremble was devoted to helping people. Earning his nickname while playing baseball because of his hitting skills, Babe and his family have been members of the Biddeford Franco community since the 1920’s. In 1932, his father, a local policeman, was murdered while pulling over a stolen car. Lucien witnessed his father dying on the street, and that shattered moment shaped Lucien’s life.
Harold Osher
Philanthropist, Map Collector, Cardiologist
January 11, 1924 – December 23, 2023
As a son in a remarkable and talented family, Harold Osher crafted a thoughtful path of caring and giving throughout the State of Maine. By trade, he was a superb cardiologist, but his legacy is rooted in his philanthropy and his unique donation of his massive collection of rare maps and documents.
Delilah Poupore
Community Ambassador, Musician, Catalyst
Delilah Poupore’s fingerprints in Biddeford’s downtown
development are everywhere, as her energy and creativity have
been a catalyst for the renaissance of Main Street. Her infectious
smile, warm personality, and genuine interest and concern for the
wellbeing of others have made her a wonderful ambassador and
advocate for the city.
Sam Zaitlin
Renaissance Man, Visionary, Businessman
December 5, 1948 – June 20, 2024
A grandson of immigrants from Russia, Sam Zaitlin was a Renaissance man. He was a thinker, a doer, a businessman, a civic leader, and a walking think tank. Never seeking the limelight, he did his good work in the community silently, without fanfare.
