Emil J. Huyghebaert

1934 - 2014

Emil J. Huyghebaert, beloved husband of Patricia (Gorman) Huyghebaert, died Wednesday, August 13, 2014 surrounded by his family at St. Francis Hospital. He was born October 17, 1934 in Totowa, NJ, son of the late Emil A. and Mary (Serin) Huyghebaert and had lived in New Jersey, prior to moving to Collinsville 54 years ago. Graduate of Newark Collage of Engineering before joining Combustion Engineering in 1957. Emil had a long dedication to The Boy Scout of America. He was involved in scouting for over 54 years, dating back to the days when he was a Cub Scout. For the past 39 years, Canton has had the great fortune to have had him as Scoutmaster of Troop 77 of Collinsville. Mr. Huyghebaert has donated countless hours of his time to the BSA as Scoutmaster, serving on various committees and repairing scout camps. He had many accomplishments over the years as well, Wood Badge, Silver Buffalo and Vigil Scout with the Order of the Arrow. He took his greatest pride watching the hard work and dedication that a young scout puts into achieving the rank of Eagle. As scoutmaster for troop 77 Mr. Huyghebaert saw 27 boys reach the rank of Eagle Scout and was famous for saying, "it is not about me, it is for the boys". Emil was a member and usher of St. Patrick's Church in Collinsville, a volunteer at the Collinsville Historical Museum, was a member of the Ethics Committee for the Town of Canton and worked the polls during elections. In addition to scouting, he enjoyed canoeing, riflery, camping, hunting, collecting shells on the Jersey Shore, mentoring young Scouts, meeting with his fellow Combustion-Engineer retires and spending time with his grandchildren. Besides his loving wife of 57 years, he is survived by his sons, Emil J.B. Huyghebaert of New Hartford, CT, Thomas Huyghebaert and his wife Gaylynn of South Roylaton VT and John Huyghebaert and his wife Ana Chambers of Collinsville, CT; his daughter, Sue Ellen Boyer and her husband Stephen of Barnegat, NJ and his grandchildren, Jessica Huyghebaert, Kelsey Huyghebaert, Avery Boyer, Sydney Boyer and Remi Huyghebaert. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton on Sunday, August 17th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral will be Monday, August 18th, 10:15 AM from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM at St. Patrick's Church in Collinsville. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75015 or to St. Patrick's Church, 50 Church Street, Canton CT 06019. Please visit Emil's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.