Our Staff

Owner and Funeral Director: Robert R. “Bob” Fournier, Jr.

After receiving a degree in mortuary science from the New England Institute at Mount Ida College in Newton, MA, Bob went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island majoring in business administration. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1992. Bob is a third generation funeral director growing up in a family devoted to funeral service. Raised in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, he began his career working for his family’s funeral home, Fournier & Fournier Funeral Homes. From there, he went on to work for Maceroni Funeral Home located in North Providence, RI. In December of 2005, Bob purchased the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes from the Alderwoods Group, bringing the business back to a “locally family owned” business. In August of 2013, Bob built The Park Tribute Center, located in the Putnam Industrial Park. This is Windham County’s first and only crematory.

Bob, his wife, Adrienne, and their two children reside in Putnam and are very active in the local community. Bob donates his time to several organizations, including as an active member of the Putnam Rotary Club, vice president for the North East Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, board member at Matulaitis Nursing Home, a member of the St. Mary’s Cemetery Advisory Council, an active member of St. Mary Church of The Visitation and every year is a participant in the St. Mary Circle of Fun. He is a member of the Rhode Island Funeral Directors Association, Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Putnam Business Association, Thompson Business Association, Cremation Association of North America, Knights of Columbus, and the Putnam Elks. He is a member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes, an organization dedicated to “integrity, ethical business practices and advancing and moving funeral service forward.” Bob has been chosen by the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce as their 2014 Business Leader of the Year, which is presented to an individual for outstanding business leadership and active participation in community organizations. He was praised by the chamber for his public generosity. He spends time mentoring others interested in pursuing a career in the funeral service. He participates in the mock car crash event every year at Tourtellotte High School and has hosted students from Woodstock Academy and Nichols College for forums on death and dying. Bob is well known in the community for his attention to detail, professionalism, integrity, and compassion for the families he serves.

Funeral Director and Embalmer: William “Bill” Juzwic

William was born and raised in Preston, Connecticut, graduating from the Ledyard High School in 1987 and currently resides above the Valade Funeral Home in North Grosvenordale with his faithful Golden Labrador, “Hooty.” Bill received his Associates Degree in mortuary science from the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in 1989, and his funeral director and embalming license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1990. He was employed at the Joseph A. Langone, Jr. Funeral Home in Boston’s Historic North End for 14 years and served as its manager for over 10 years. In 2002 he received his Connecticut embalmers license and moved back to his home state of Connecticut joining the staff of the Labenski Funeral Home in Norwich. In January of 2013 he proudly joined the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes of Putnam and North Grosvenordale. His diverse background in funeral service spanning over 23 years makes him an experienced professional who understands that each family is unique, has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of the utmost importance to him. He is a member of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, St. Joseph Church in North Grosvenordale, the Italian Heritage Society in Norwich, a new member of the Knights of Columbus, Cargill Council 64 in Putnam, and the Thompson Lions Club. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors camping, snowmobiling, 4 wheel motorcycle riding, target shooting, and gardening. But, above all, spending quality time with his family and friends is of the utmost importance to Bill.

Office Manager: Wendy Warren-Cudworth

Wendy, a native of central Massachusetts, has been employed as the office manager with the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes since May of 2008. Wendy and her husband raise their three young children together in Woodstock. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and gardening. She is very active in the community through various volunteer programs including Interfaith Human Services of Putnam as a former board member, now as a liaison for the area homeless community. She is a founding member of a group called The Real Wives of Windham County, which is a group of local moms who, along with their children, perform charitable work within our community. She is a member of the Woodstock P.T.O. and enjoys volunteering her time at the school with her children. She is a leader for “Girl Power” at the middle school, which was developed in memory of Judy Nilan, a former social worker at the school and is meant to empower young girls through running and other active programs. Wendy enjoys her position at the funeral home because it furthers her passion for helping people in their time of need.

Park Crematory Operator: Maurice “Moe” Coderre

Moe was born and raised in Putnam, CT, where he attended St. Mary School and Putnam High School. After graduation he served in the United States Air Force for 4.5 years.  When he returned to Putnam, he met and married Pamela Zamagni. They have two sons and six grandchildren. Moe spent 43 years in local industries in Putnam, working for U.S. Button Corp. for 33 years, ultimately overseeing the entire operation and Pallflex Company as operations manager for 10 years.  During this time he received his Associates Degree in business administration from QVCC in 1979. In 2004, Moe received the Putnam Rotary “Vocational Service Award” for service above self, and also received the Putnam High Athletic Association “Colonel Gilbert Woods, Sr. Special Recognition Award” for dedication and loyal support to Putnam athletics. He has been the clock keeper and the “voice” of Putnam High School basketball for over 30 years. Moe is also active in St. Mary Church as a Eucharistic minister, Commentator, lector, and occasionally assists as an altar server. He has also served for many years on the St. Mary Finance Committee. His passions are spending time with his wonderful grandchildren, traveling with his wife and serving those in need. Moe joined the team at Gilman & Valade in January of 2012 where he is a dress man and the operator of the Park Tribute Center Crematory. His attention to detail, combined with his empathy for others, allows him to treat every cremation with respect and dignity.