William Joseph Patenaude

1935 - 2025

William Joseph Patenaude 89, of Spofford, NH, passed away on August 27, 2025, at the Jaffrey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Jaffrey, NH.

His parents, Alphonse J. and Caroline R. (Scales) Patenaude welcomed their son into the world on August 31, 1935, in Bellows Falls, VT. William was a 1953 graduate of Keene High School and while in high school he was a member of the school's track team.

William enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on October 13, 1953, and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from the Marines on January 1, 1974, with over twenty years of service, earning the rank of First Sergeant. His miliary decorations included the combat aircrew wings with three gold stars, five air medals, the navy and marine commendation medal with combat "V", and the combat action ribbon.

He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 799, the Disabled American Veterans, the Marine Corps Association and the Fleet Reserve Association. He was also a 48-year member of the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4.

Following his military services, William worked for twenty years as a sorter of mis-delivered mail with the Keene Post Office.

He will be greatly missed by many, especially his wife of 70 years, Shelia M. (Blanchard) Patenaude of Spofford whom he married on February 18, 1955; his children, William J. Patenaude, Jr. and his longtime partner Jim Narkiewicz of Tilton, NH, Brian M. Patenaude and his wife, Kathy, of Brattleboro, VT, Deena M. Getty, of Keene, Donna C. Blanchard and her husband, Todd, of Keene; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; as well as extended family members. He was predeceased by a son, Forrest L Patenaude on November 24, 2019, and his son, Patrick D. Patenaude who sadly, passed the same day as William, August 27, 2025. Two sisters, Ann Lancey Chamberlain and Adrienne Roy predeceased him.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 10th at 11:00am in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial with military honors in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Keene, will be held privately by the family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Patenaude's memory to the Disable American Veterans (https://www.dav.org), PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

To offer online condolences to the family or to share special memories, please visit www.foleyfuneralhome.com.