Rene Jean Fleurent
October 11, 2009
PROVIDENCE – Rene J. Fleurent, 77, of Westport, MA, died Sunday, October 11, 2009, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI. He was the beloved husband of Ellen Mae (Saunders) Tripp, with whom he shared a truly loving and caring nineteen years. He was also married to the late Lou-Ann (Akin) Fleurent for thirty-three years. He was born in Fairhaven, MA, the son of Joseph I. Jr. and Lelia (Benoit) Fleurent.
He left high school at age sixteen to join the U. S. Air Force and in later years proudly obtained his diploma from Fairhaven High School with the Class of 2006. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Fairhaven, and St. Francis Xavier Church, Fort Myers, FL. He served as past president of NAGE and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, DAV, NARFE, Over the Hill Gang and Sharpshooters.
Rene served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954, primarily stationed in Alaska and Arizona. He was a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Medal. Upon his discharge, he became a fire fighter at Otis AFB and retired as Fire Captain in 1985. For the past nine years, Rene and his wife have wintered in North Fort Myers, FL, the spring training home of his favorite Boston Red Sox. He was also an avid fan of the New England Patriots.
He was happiest being outdoors whether golfing, quahoging, working in his yard, playing with his beloved dog Jean Pierre, or working with his brothers in the mason trade. He was always available for a good card game and always “played to win.” He enjoyed the precious time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Rene was a gentle man much loved and cherished by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife Ellen; son, Rene Jean Fleurent, Jr., of Fairhaven; a daughter, Nadine L. Fleurent and her companion Scott of Pocasset; a grandson, Jonathan Villa of Fairhaven; a granddaughter, Rebecca Villa and her companion Ethan of Acushnet; and a great-grandson, Andrew J. of Acushnet; three brothers, Raymond and his wife Shirley, and Leonard and his wife Sandra, both of Fairhaven, and Albert (Eugene) of Deltona, FL; two sisters, Lillian Horsley, and Lorraine Bachand and her husband Donald, all of Fairhaven. He was the brother of the late Lucille Moniz, Alfred (Pete), Victor and Jeanette Fleurent. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews.
Funeral Information
His funeral will be Friday, October 16, 2009, at 9:00AM from the FAIRHAVEN FUNERAL HOME, 117 Main St., Fairhaven, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in St. Joseph’s Church, Fairhaven. Interment with full Military Honors will follow the funeral Mass at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Calling hours are Thursday, October 15, from 5:00-9:00PM in the funeral home. To LIGHT A CANDLE, SIGN THE MEMORIAL REGISTER, consult THE GRIEF LIBRARY, or obtain FACILITY DIRECTIONS, please log on to www.hathawayfunerals.com., or telephone 508/994-9471.
Donations Information
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, contributions in his memory may be made to Damien’s Pantry, 3065 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham, MA 02538; Habitat for Cats, P.O. Box 79571, N Dartmouth, MA 02747; and/or a charity of one’s choice.