1929 – 2011
North Grosvenordale – Philip O. Lajoie, 82, of Main Street, died Wednesday, April 27, 2011 in Lanessa Extended Care. He was the loving husband of Theresa (Larose) Lajoie. Born in Thompson, he was the son of the late Exeas and Alice (Bellerose) Lajoie.
Mr. Lajoie served his country in the Korean Conflict earning himself the bronze star. He worked as a postal clerk for the North Grosvenordale Post Office and as a professional pallbearer for the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes for 30 years. He was a communicant of Saint Joseph Church in North Grosvenordale and served as a sacristan for over 60 years. He was a member of the American Legion. He especially enjoyed decorating for Christmas.
In addition to his wife, Philip is survived by his son, Raymond Lajoie of Putnam; his brothers, Roland Lajoie of FL, Eugene Lajoie of FL, Paul Lajoie of Quinebaug, Norman Lajoie of Putnam; his sisters, Lorraine Breault of FL, Margaret Piekarczyk of Dudley, MA, Louise Robbins of Thompson, Claire Bosse of CA; and three grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brother, the late Gerald Lajoie; and his sisters, the late Theresa Beauregard, and the late Rachel Gibson.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Philip’s family from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, April 29, 2011 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT. A gathering will begin at 10:00 am in the funeral home on Saturday, April 30, 2011 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Joseph Church, 20 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Memorial donations, may be made to Saint Joseph Church, 20 Main Street, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255
Rev. Richard D. Breton, Jr.
To Theresa, Raymond and family,
I wish to express my sympathies and prayers to you in this time of loss. We at St. Joseph’s Parish have lost a great man. From his days as a youngster at age 17 he began his work here at St. Joseph. With the help of Sister Precious he learned how to be a faaithful and dedicated Sacristan. For 60 years he was faithful in serving the priests and parish with the most beautiful Christmas and Easter decorations I have ever seen. As a parish family he will be greatly missed, but, his legacy or decorating our beautiful church will live on.
For me personally, I will miss my visits with Philip and our conversations. Philip had great respect for the priesthood and that respect was evident in our time together. I will miss Philip, but, I know that he is looking down upon us all! His wish has been fulfilled, he is having his Funeral Mass with all the Easter decorations.
Philip may you rest in the peace of the heavenly garden forever!
marian smat
Sorry I could not be with you for services..You all are in thought and prayer.xoxoxo:)
Fr. Rick Ricard
Dear Theresa, Raymond, Paul and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family at this time of sadness. Philip was such a hard worker for the Lord and found such joy serving the Church. He was a true inspiration. Philip’s dedication to the parish community of St. Joseph was known by all who passed through the doors of his beloved Church. The Lord will not forget the many hours of love, dedication, creativity, and service Philip provided the good people of North Grosvenordale.
Please know that we’ll be praying for him and each of you at our Masses in Rockville this weekend.
Gentle peace Philip –
With peace and prayers,
Fr. Rick Ricard