Walter L. Brousseau had an enormous heart. His was a heart full of pride and cheerfulness, but more than that, way more, it was brimming over with love. Walter Brousseau truly did have a heart of gold.
Walter L. Brousseau was born on September 2, 1943 in Central Falls, Rhode Island to the late George Henri and Rosanna (LeClair) Brousseau.
Walter passed away on Saturday November 14, 2020 at Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket. He lived for 77 wonderful years.
Walter was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Central Falls and went on to learn the welding trade at Davies Technical School. He was raised in Central Falls and lived in Pawtucket for several years. He was a resident of Woonsocket for over 46 years.
Walter served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1964 to 1967 in the Vietnam War. The far off jungles and tropical heat of Vietnam were a far cry from the familiar surroundings of the Blackstone Valley, but it was Walter’s faith and sense of duty to his country that would see him through his experiences in Vietnam. Walter was awarded the Overseas Service Bar, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Mechanic Badge with Bar and Expert Rifleman Badge. Justly proud of his service as Vietnam Veteran Walter would exhibit that pride as a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter # 818, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the St. Joseph Veterans Association. Walter could often be seen at ceremonies in Woonsocket honoring veterans. He would be proudly wearing is Vietnam Veterans hat.
Walter was employed by Blackstone Valley Electric Company for over 35 years until retiring in 2000.
Walter was skilled with his hands as he undertook many a project in and around his house; he was forever working on something. When Walter was determined to do something he put his mind to it and could build just about anything.
Walter loved to hit the open road on two wheels atop his Sportster as he was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. He also had a great time on four wheels with his classic Austin Healy sports car. Getting out on the open road and seeing what lay around the next bend in the road or over the next hill was right up Walter’s alley. Along the way on these trips Walter loved to stop and have a meal at restaurants he found during his travels.
Walter was proud of his French-Canadian heritage, as evidenced by his attendance at functions such as Parlons Francis and the American French Genealogical Society. He enjoyed conversing in French and keeping up the traditions of his forbearers.
By far and away the most important thing in Walters’s life was his family. His love for them knew absolutely no bounds. Walter was the loving husband of the late Dorothy Louise (Boucher) Brousseau. They were married on December 12, 1970 and shared 40 wonderful years together until her passing in 2010. Walter is survived by his son Michael D. Brousseau of Woonsocket, Christen M. Brousseau and her husband Todd Guerin of Blackstone. Walter was also grandfather of Amber Lee Guerin of Blackstone. Amber will forever be Walter’s true pride and joy. From her earliest days Walter was the best Pepere in the world to Amber whom he loved with all of that great big heart of his. In addition to his children and granddaughter, Walter was also leaves behind his friend and companion Elaine Brouillette of Woonsocket.
Walter was the brother of Pauline Nunes, Cecile Brillion, Claire Sousa and Jeanne Louise Fitzgerald and the late Henri, Jean and Paul Brousseau. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
Walter will be remembered as a hard-working man who faithfully served his country, was proud of his heritage and loved his family more than anything else in the world. A kind and pleasant gentleman, Walter Brousseau was truly a gentle giant and will forever have a heart of gold.
His funeral will be Tuesday November 24th at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Holy Trinity Parish (OLQM) Church, 1409 Park Ave. Woonsocket. Burial with military honors will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Visiting hours are Monday November 23rd from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter # 818 P.O. Box 818 Woonsocket RI. 02895.
www.menardfuneralhome.com