1924 – 2014
Putnam – Gerard “Joe” Bousquet, 89, of Maynard Street, died Wednesday, May 21, 2014 in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the loving husband of Sylvia (Letendre) Bousquet for 55 years. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Wilfred and Wilheminia (Bourdia) Bousquet.
Mr. Bousquet attended St. Joseph School in N. Grosvenordale and then graduated from New England Technical School. He was drafted soon after he turned 18 by the United States Army. At the age of 20, and as a Rifleman with the 16th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division invaded Normandy on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, “D-Day.” He then served in the drive across Europe including, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, and Germany culminating in the ultimate German surrender on May 8, 1945, earning him a Silver Star decoration. After being honorably discharged, he and his wife owned and operated Joe’s Oil for 28 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #67 in Grosvenordale, Albert J. Breault VFW Post #1523, Fourth Degree Knight of The Knights of Columbus Cargill Council #64 where he ran the Knights of Columbus Golf League and was the Chairman for the Annual Christmas Giving Appeal for several years. He was an avid golfer and loved Boston sports, especially the Red Sox. He was also a fan of UConn Basketball. He and his family spent many summers enjoying their cottage at Quaddick Lake. He was well known for his sense of humor and especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Gerard is survived by his son, Wilfred G. Bousquet and his wife Fran of Putnam; his daughters, Suzanne Bousquet and her spouse Lisa Carrara of Wallingford, CT, and Leona McKay and her husband Jim of Manchester, CT; and his grandchildren, Stephanie and Brittany Bousquet, and Emily and Kenneth McKay.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gerard’s family from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, May 23, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 24, 2014 in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Annual Giving Appeal, 68 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. For guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
MICHAEL R. CODERRE
Sylvia, Willie, Sue& Lee, Our sympathy goes out to all, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed playing poker with the “chief” at Tom and Gerry nights at the Knights and at the cottage on Quaddic, he loved “trips to win”. Joe was an all around good guy and proud Veteran, may he rest in peace. With sympathy, Mike & Joanne Coderre
Gene and Barb LaCoillegebar@webtv
Sorry to read of your Dad’s passing.We had good times with him and your mom in Florida.
Anne Aalto
On behalf of the Woodstock Golf Course and Woodstock Sr. Golf League, we’d like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of Joe’s family. He was one of the most beloved golfers in the league. The guys would always say (as Joe got up in years)…”that Joe Bousquet is still hitting them long and straight”!
For myself, it was always a pleasure when Joe and Mr. Ernest Dumas came to play. They’d pull up to the side of the club house and call out …”it that our Annie in there.” I’d go out and give them both a big hug, so happy to see two friends together golfing and enjoying life.
With great sadness, I extend my condolences to you. May the memories of his goodness carry you through these days of mourning.
Anne Aalto and the Staff at Woodstock Golf Course
Laurie St. Jean Sevigny
Sue, Willy, Lee and Mrs. Bousquet, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad (Husband) was such a nice man! I have many good memories of playing hoops at your house and spending time at the lake. May he Rest in Peace.
Laurie
Kathy Fontaine
Sylvia and family,
The world lost a very good man this week. Joe was without a doubt, the best boss I ever had. He was a kind, compassionate, caring man who helped anyone that needed it. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile.
I enjoyed watching Willie, Sue and Lee as they grew into young adults. He was always very proud of his children’s accomplishments and I’m sure will be sorely missed by all of his family.
frank & beverley mc nally
Syl, Willie & family,
what can anyone say at a time like this except to say that “Joe or Chief” will be missed greatly by his friends. I have many fond memories of our golf trips, especially up north. Also some of the late evening calls for furnace trouble.
We shall miss him very much and offer you our deepest sympathy at this time.
Frank & Beverley
John D. Ryan
Joe was a good friend and a great Knight of Columbus. He inspired his Brother Knights in Putnam’s Cargill Council 64, thanks to his work for the council’s Christmas Giving Appeal for the community and for our golf league. He was hero, a veteran of D-Day. I will miss him. Please pray for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his family. RIP
Suzanne Bousquet
On this 70th anniversary of D-Day, let us remember my dad and all the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. For these are the men who gave their lives so we could have the freedom & democracy we have today. They truely are the Greatest Generation.
I will remember my dad as great person, great American, great husband, but an even greater father. No one will miss him more than I.
God bless him and God Bless the Greatest Generation.
Sue Bousquet
June 6, 2014
Richard Joseph Breault
I grew up in West Thompson and as a kid I always enjoyed talking to our oil delivery man. Even in the cold early 1950s winters I’d bundle up so that I could go outdoors to say hello to this polite man who always smiled and spoke nicely to me. He seemed like a very kind man. I had no idea that this person was a World War II hero. In 2011 I finally got to visit Utah and Omaha Beach which I wanted to do for over 40 years. I only wish I could have acknowledge Joe’s courage and achievements directly to him. I was too young to really understand what our soldiers went through in Europe. Men like Joe are without question what made his generation our best ever. He must certainly be missed.