WOONSOCKET — Rev. Mr. Eugene Garceau, 88, of Woonsocket, died on Friday, January 21, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Florence Longtin Garceau. Gene was born in Woonsocket to the late Alfred and Eva (Garneau) Garceau. He was the brother of his late siblings; Robert, Rene, Raymond Garceau and Alice (Garceau) Grenier. He was pre-deceased by his children Donna (Garceau) Guevremont and Eugene “Bud” Garceau. He is survived by his daughters Debra Diana and her husband Chris of Cranston; Diane Short and her husband Franc of Glocester; and Denise Stinchfield and her husband Todd of Woonsocket; his son-in-law John Guevremont of North Smithfield; and daughter-in-law Gizele Garceau of Cumberland. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Deacon Garceau briefly served with the Marines then returned home to meet his wife and start his family. He provided for his family as a meat cutter for Almacs for over 40 years. Always taking time to participate with his children’s many activities. He loved his children unconditionally and became mentors to several of our family members. Garceau was also a talented square dance caller and participated in clubs with his wife Flo for many years and had many long-lasting friends.
Garceau was called to serve God and became an ordained Catholic Deacon June 2, 1982, 40 years ago and started his ministry with Hospice then eventually served his parish of Saint Agatha’s and then later Precious Blood. Deacon Garceau was able to perform many marriages and baptisms for the family. He provided the family with strength and faith during his wife’s battle with ALS and later his son Gene “Bud” and daughter Donnas fight with ALS. In his final days, in the face of his death, he showed his incredible strong faith as he has done so much in his life.
Deacon Garceau enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, including some epic road trips and later trips with his friends at St. Agatha’s/Precious Blood. He loved food and beverages and often regaled his family/friends with stories that focused on this rather than the sights when he returned from a trip. Deacon Garceau loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also loved his work as a deacon and the people of St. Agatha’s and Precious Blood Parishes. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and there are no words that could fully describe his impact on everyone he has met.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 10 a.m., in St. Agatha’s Parish, 34 Joffre Ave., Woonsocket, or can be viewed live at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4814298341 Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Wrentham Road, Bellingham, Massachusetts. Calling hours will be held Friday, Jan. 27, from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to RI ALS Association, 2374 Post Road, Suite 103, Warwick, R.I 02886.
