WWII Army Veteran, Laurent Edgar Gendron, of Woonsocket, Dies at 91
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Laurent Edgar Gendron, 95, of Woonsocket, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on May 11, 2021.
He was the loving husband of Janet (Arsenault) Gendron for 71 years.
Laurent, born in Blackstone, MA, was the son of the late Eugene and Blanche (Sweeney) Gendron. He lived most of his life in Woonsocket, RI. He proudly served in the US Army in Europe during WWII as a Non-commissioned Officer in the 120th Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. Most recently, he was the Mailroom Supervisor at Eastland Bank until retiring in 1991. His earlier employment included custodian at Sacred Heart Parish, as well as several positions in local mills.
Larry “Edgar” is survived by his devoted children, Barbara (Robert) Ducharme of Forestdale, John (Linda) Gendron of Glocester, “Dee” Dolores (the late Ronald) Ducharme of North Smithfield, Patricia (the late Daniel) Girard of Woonsocket, Kevin (Angela) Gendron of North Port FL, Daniel (Ann Marie) Gendron of Woonsocket, and Maureen (Steven Faiola) Gendron of Johnston. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Timothy Girard, Pamela Dunn, Bethany Gale, Katie Miller, Stephanie Fleming, Andrew Gendron, Nathan Gendron, and Victoria Gendron, as well as six great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother Melvyn and predeceased by his brothers Eugene, Leonard, William, Paul, Norman, and Bernard, as well as his sisters Elaine Martin Henault and Loraine Cote. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Most important to him were his faith and his family. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church for many years, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and Confirmation teacher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a true spirit of generosity and didn’t hesitate to lend a hand. He loved spending time with his family, whether it was a casual barbeque, dinner at a restaurant, special occasions, vacations, or helping with various projects. He could fix just about anything, whether it was plumbing, electrical, cars, or building things for the house. No matter the issue, he always figured it out. He had an incredible work ethic and gave every job his all.
Anyone who knew him would remember him with beautiful snow-white hair, a camera around his neck, and a grin on his face. He loved taking pictures of everyone and everything (including photographing many weddings for family and friends), tending to his rose bushes and even dabbled in still art painting. He will forever be remembered for his quick wit and corny “dad” jokes that could cause the entire room to erupt into laughter (or occasionally groans). He loved taking his daily walks and was proud of any small “treasure” that he found. His love of sweets and coffee would always bring a smile to his face. His passing will leave a hole in the hearts of so many who knew and loved him, but the beautiful memories of a life well-lived will help them to carry on. He was an amazing man and will never be forgotten.
His funeral will be held Monday, May 17, 2021, at 10:00 am from the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 463 South Main St. Woonsocket with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, Mendon Rd. Woonsocket.
Committal Service and Military Honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Cumberland.
Visiting hours are Sunday 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
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