HOLYOKE – Gilbert J. Fournier, 81, of Holyoke, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, September 4, 2014. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was born in Holyoke on March 5, 1933, a beloved son of the late Joseph and Odna (Houle) Fournier and was a lifelong resident of the city. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War and attained the rank of Seaman Apprentice. Following his military service, he returned to Holyoke and was employed as a salesman for several area companies. During his leisure time, Gil was an avid hunter, loved to tell stories to his family and friends, and enjoyed studying naturopathic medicine. He leaves his former wife, Jane; his six loving children, Jeffrey A. Fournier of Easthampton, Donna M. Pennell and her husband, Paul, of Holyoke, Jay Fournier and his wife, Shannon, of Westfield, Todd Fournier of Holyoke, Lori Hood-Burgess and her husband, Dean, of Chicopee, and Mark A. Fournier and his wife, Kristin, of Chicopee; his 13 grandchildren, P.J. Pennell, Lori Borrego and her husband, Walber, Michelle Watts and her husband, Willie, Hope Fournier, Kaitlyn Simone, J.J. Fournier, Zachary, Chelsea, and Brandon Fournier, Alyssa and Michael Hood-Burgess, and Matthew and Natalie Fournier; his nine cherished great-grandchildren; his dear brother, Gerald Fournier and his wife, Chris, of Santa Rosa, CA; his former daughter-in-law, Billie-Jo Fournier of Holyoke; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended members of the Fournier and Seward families. A Service of Committal with US Navy Military Honors will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, (specify Springfield), 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com