Robert P. Houle

Robert P. Houle, 94, died Monday December 18th at the Veteran’s Home in Holyoke. He was born in Holyoke on January 7, 1929, moved to Canada when he was a toddler and returned to Holyoke when he was 16. Robert enlisted in the army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He was a communicant of St. Anne’s Church in Fairview for almost 60 years and was a barber for over 40 years. He was an avid skier, golfer, loved politics and most of all loved to have gatherings at his home with family and friends. Robert was “Old School” and his word was his word as he was always there to lend a hand, give support and to stand up when needed. He loved his wife Joan and they were married almost 50 years at the time of her death in 2003. He leaves five children Donald Houle (Linda) of Chicopee, Diane Lewis (Lee) of Rocklin, CA, Laurie Houle Isham (Dan) of Hampden, Linda Calise (Joe) of Edgewater, FL and Mary Houle (Rob) of Bridgewater, a brother Germain Houle (Mary Ellen) of Chicopee, two sisters Gisele Proulx of Alexandria, VA and Jocelyne (Yves) Carrier of Longueuil, Quebec, CA, sister-in-law, Monique Houle also of Quebec, CA, seven grandchildren Brandon (Sarah), Jessica, Samuel (Alyssa), Taylor (Courtney), Haley, Adriana and Coleman, great grandchildren Hadley, Landon, Peyton and baby Lewis to be born in March 2024, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as his devoted companion Anne Marie Marona. He was predeceased by his sisters Lillian Maggipinto (John), Irene Houle, Madeleine Jacques (George), Georgette D’Angelantonio and brother, Jean Gille Houle. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Annette Murphy (Terry) and brother-in-law Robert Fimbel (Christine) of Daytona, FL. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Veteran’s Home in Holyoke for the compassionate, dignified and exemplary care they provided. Friends and family may meet at the church for the funeral Mass Saturday January 6th at St. Anne’s Church at 10:00 am. Burial in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday January 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley. Memorial donations may be made to the Veteran’s Home of Holyoke Recreation Department. For more information, please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.