José Rafael Lara, beloved husband, father, and community fixture, passed away peacefully at his home on October 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, including his devoted wife, Barbara, and daughters, Michaela Erskine and Felice Storey. He fought a courageous, long-term battle with numerous health challenges.

Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on October 29, 1947, to the late Rafael and Gloria Lara, José lived a life defined by devotion to his country, his community, and his family. Shortly after graduating from high school, he proudly answered the call to serve, enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he worked as a ship's helmsman aboard the USS Observation Island AG--154. Though an in-service injury brought his military career to an early close, his determination remained unshaken. He went on to attend college, successfully earning a Bachelor's Degree.

José's life was forever changed when he attended a line dance class at the Temperance Street Dance Studio. It was there he met the instructor and the love of his life, Barbara. After a year of dating, the two were married on April 12, 1997. Just four months later, they made the loving decision to bring their granddaughter, Michaela, home from Portland. José raised Michaela as his own daughter, cultivating a profound, unbreakable bond that proved family is built on boundless love. They shared countless cherished memories together, including hours spent laughing and bonding while playing the video game Jet Set Radio Future.

A familiar and friendly face in Calais, Maine, José worked as the manager of the local Rite Aid for 37 years. He will be fondly remembered for his playfully "goofy" personality-a fitting trait for a man who was a massive fan of the Disney character Goofy-and his genuine desire to bring a smile to everyone he met. He was exceptionally generous with his time and talents, always willing to help at any occasion. A natural performer, José loved dancing with his wife and lived for the moments he could step on stage to the roaring cheers of "GO JOSÉ!" from the audience. For years, he brought magic to the community by playing Santa Claus at local Christmas programs. His festive spirit extended well beyond winter, as he absolutely loved decorating his home for the holidays, with Halloween always being his favorite.

José was a man of profound faith and fellowship. He was a longtime, dedicated member of the Free Masons, where he worked his way through the ranks to ultimately serve as Grand Master. He was also deeply involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where his spiritual dedication led him to serve as a High Priest.

He was predeceased by his parents, Rafael and Gloria Lara; his beloved stepdaughter, Tanya Pressley; his brother-in-law, Pepin; and his parents-in-law, H. Milton and Thelma Thornton.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Lara; his daughters, Michaela Erskine and Felice Storey; his sister, Fe Eppi Lara; his brothers-in-law (whom he loved like brothers), Gary Thornton and his wife Carole, and Milton Thornton and his wife Jill. He also leaves behind a lasting legacy through his grandchildren, Jayda Pressley and Hunter Costello; his great-grandchildren, Lyrix Newman, Lucian Berard, and Jaxson Costello; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Honoring José and Barbara's deepest wishes, there will be no immediate memorial service. A celebration of their lives will be held in the future, when they are reunited in their urns to rest together for all eternity.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in José's memory to the Calais Fire Association. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Families and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, memories, and photographs on José's memorial page at www.MaysFuneralHome.com