Rene E Tremblay

Southbridge...Rene E. Tremblay, 92, a lifelong resident, died Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Southbridge Rehab & Healthcare Center, after a brief illness. His wife was the late Therese M. (St.Jean) Tremblay who died December 6, 1987. He leaves three sons David M. Tremblay and his wife Ann of Charlton, Robert E. Tremblay and his wife Brenda of Southbridge, and Paul R. Tremblay and his wife Marie of Southbridge, his daughter Donna and her husband Edward Baldyga of Southbridge, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, a sister Therese Tremblay Remian of Charlton, his companion of 29 years Stephanie Barrette of Southbridge,  2 brother-in-laws Raymond St. Jean, and Donald St. Jean and his wife Cecile of Southbridge, nieces and nephews. 
He was born in Southbridge, son of Isadore L. and Exelina (Tavernier) Tremblay. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Charlton, a former Communicant of St. Hedwig's Church, and the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. 
He served his country proudly as a veteran of the US Army Air Corps during WW II, serving with the 101st Airborne Division in the European African Middle Eastern Theater. He was a Purple Heart Recipient for injuries received during the Invasion of Normandy. After being injured, he transferred to the US Army Quartermaster Corps. He was awarded a medal by the French Government in 2000 in recognition of service rendered to liberating France during the war.
After his military service, he worked in the case dale plant at the American Optical Co. for two years prior to his career at the Southbridge Post Office as a letter carrier for 30 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers).
Rene's memberships included the VFW Post 6055, American Legion, DAV, and the DeTriana Council Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th Degree. Rene was a longtime Southbridge Town Councilor for 23 years, serving two years as the Chairman, served 5 years on the Board of Health, and the Planning Board for 5 years. Many years ago he coached basketball at the former Saint Joan of Arc School, including winning a New England National Championship Game in 1953.  He led the Wellsworth Athletic Association batting for softball, he chaired Bingo at Sacred Heart Church for many years, he served on the Recreation Committee, refereed basketball and umpired baseball on the Southbridge Youth Leagues for many years. Rene also enjoyed swimming in his pool, water skiing at Glen Echo Lake, playing cribbage, and bowling on the Senior League.  Rene will be remembered for his kindness, dedicated to helping and serving his town. He was always a gentleman, and a gentle man.  
Calling hours will be from 5-7PM, Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA. The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28th, at 10AM at St. Hedwig's Church, Everett Street, Southbridge, MA 01550. Burial with Military Honors will follow at New Notre Dame Cemetery, North Woodstock Road, Southbridge, MA.  In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, P. O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515, or to St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Road, Ext., P. O. Box 338, Charlton City, MA 01508.

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