Joseph Maurice A. Comtois' Obituary
Joseph Maurice “Moe” A. Comtois, aged 94, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Woonsocket, R.I., to immigrant parents, the late Albert and Donalda (St. Germain) Comtois, Moe joined the U.S. Army at aged 21 and honorably served for two years during the Korean War, earning the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany.) Moe traveled much of Europe and always spoke fondly of its natural beauty. He also served in North Africa, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. During his enlistment, he learned Italian and spoke it fluently throughout his life, and while visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, he was touched by Pope Pious XII.
In August 1951, Moe married Claire R. Bourdon and they raised five children in Southbridge, MA. He leaves behind Susan Reilly of Worcester, MA; Marc Comtois of Oxford, MA; Carol Childress and her husband Barnet, of Sturbridge, MA; his two sons, Steven Comtois and David Comtois, pre-deceased Moe in 1980 and 2019, respectively. In 1986, Moe re-married Kerstin Gagne and they lived in Woodstock, CT for several years. Moe leaves behind his step-daughter Gretchen and her husband Michael Clark of Putnam, CT, and step-son Timothy Gagne of Granby, CT. Moe also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, who he dearly loved. Moe also leaves behind his only living sibling, Madeleine Schotter, of Woonsocket, R.I. Moe was predeceased by his brother, Marcel, and sisters, Jeannine, Claudette, and Marguerite.
For most of Moe’s working life, he enjoyed working as Water Treatment Plant Operator for the Southbridge Water Supply and was responsible for taking measurements of snow and rain that were phoned in for local weather forecasts; patrolling, hiking, and posting the thousands of acres of the water supply property; and he successfully completed numerous training courses related to public drinking water supplies. He also served as a Special Police Officer for the Town of Southbridge.
Most recently residing in Stafford, CT, throughout his life, Moe enjoyed deep sea and fresh water fishing, digging for quahogs in RI, holding huge yard sales, throwing clambakes, painting cars, and he especially loved spending time with all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Following a family Celebration of Life, Moe will be laid to rest with his sons, Steven and David, and his former wife, Claire, in the Old Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge, MA. Donations in Moe’s memory may be made to: The Steven Comtois Memorial Scholarship, c/o Bay Path Regional Technical Vocational High School, Attn: Business Office, 57 Muggett Hill Road, Charlton, MA 01507.
To leave a message of sympathy for his family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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