Real George Bureau

This was the heart of Real Bureau, a man bent on sharing the love of God he had come to know intimately. He delighted in seeing someone realize their value. Real was a true source of joy to his family, friends and those he encountered or served through years as a hotel owner and proprietor in Old Orchard Beach, ME.

He passed into eternity peacefully on November 29th, 2022, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Boca Raton, FL. Real was born in Lewiston, ME on August 30th, 1929. He attended St. Joseph’s prep school in Berthierville, Canada and graduated from St Dom’s H.S. in Lewiston, ME in 1948. While at St. Dom’s, he played varsity hockey on the State Championship winning team and competed in the New England championship at Boston Garden. Upon graduation Real enlisted in the Marines and served four years at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Real was an entrepreneur and held several successful careers in his lifetime. As a young man he worked nights in a textile mill to support his new family while going to music school in the afternoons and evenings. He worked for Singer Sewing machine for three years and discovered he had an aptitude for sales. He then became a New England franchise owner for the West Bend company, selling cookware and china throughout New England. In 1967, Real embarked on a new endeavor, building the Royal Anchor Resort, a beautiful waterfront hotel in Old Orchard Beach, ME. This season of his life brought him immense joy as it capitalized on his gifts of hospitality, management and salesmanship. His charismatic leadership built a successful establishment that has had families coming back for over 55 years. He passed the baton to his eldest son, Mark and his wife, Claire, in 2002. Though he retired, he was always involved, greeting the guests and reminiscing of their fond family memories.

Music was a true passion of his and in particular, Opera. He loved attending the Metropolitan Opera. Real was very involved in his local Catholic church. He served as director of the all-men’s choir at St. Peter’s and Paul’s Basilica in Lewiston ME. In later years he sang in the choir at St. Margaret’s church in Old Orchard Beach, ME. Another passion was golf! Real was president of the men’s league at Boca Raton Resort and Club for many years. He was also the social director for the league for championship and dinner dances. In his later years he truly enjoyed the camaraderie in the Men’s league at Delray Beach Golf Club.

He was a true gentleman, gardener, ballroom dancer and an avid world traveler but his three favorite places in the world were at the beach in Maine, on the golf course and wherever his family was. His presence will be deeply missed.

Real was preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Rita Raiche Bureau, his parents, Joseph and Emeline Bureau and 2 siblings, Norman and Andre Bureau.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Judith Terrien Bureau, his children, sons, Mark Bureau (Claire Malo) and Joseph Bureau, daughter Claire Bureau Sullivan (Donald), his brother, Paul Bureau, two grandchildren, David and Jonathan Sullivan, step son Ron Eppinger and step daughter Kathy Crossman.