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Col. Rene Camille Provost
Col. Rene Camille Provost
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Col. Provost Obituary
LEESBURG FL - Rene C. Provost, 79, of Leesburg, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday April 26th after a brief illness. He had resided in Florida for the past 15 years, but spent most of his life in Connecticut.
Rene was born in Canterbury, CT to Joseph and Theresa (Mailloux) Provost. He graduated from Killingly High School in 1956. Rene was a retired officer with a distinguished history of service in the Connecticut Army National Guard. He enlisted in the Guard in 1955 at the age of 17 and became an officer in 1960. In 1962 he worked in the Corps of Engineers with the 250th Engineer Company in Danielson, and became the company commander of the 249th Engineer Company in Putnam three years later. He volunteered to serve in Vietnam in the Army's 65th Engineer Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division from 1967-1968 and returned to the CT National Guard after the war. He was the Post Commander at the National Guard training camp in Niantic from 1969-1979. In 1981, he became commander of the 192nd Engineer Battalion, and later assumed command of the Troop Command Unit in New London. He retired with the rank of Colonel.
Rene loved golfing and fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid UConn women's basketball fan and was a basketball referee in Connecticut for many years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalind, as well as daughter and son-in-law Donna and Josh Krell, daughter Pamela Provost, and cherished grandson Aaron Krell. He is survived by a special brother-in-law Arthur "Bucky" Rickey and his wife Gerri. Rene is also survived by his sisters and brothers Paulette (Marvin) Sawyer, Paul (Rosalie) Provost, Jackie Walker, Joseph Provost, and Jeanne (David) Carpenter, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Pauline Peloquin and brother Richard Provost.
Funeral will be Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11 am, with a calling hour from 10-11 am at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St, Danielson, CT, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Danielson. Donations may be made in his name to Disabled American Veterans 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Share a memory at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Donald D. Miller
September 27, 2021
As company clerk for headquarters company 65th Combat Engineer Battalion, I worked with (then) Captain Provost every day from the time he assumed command until I rotated home May 1, 1968. I NEVER worked for or with a better man. I was a Specialist 4 draftee, yet he afforded me a deep respect and friendship uncommon between a Captain and an enlisted man. The Company went "out in the field" December 5, 1967 and stayed there until one day before the Tet attacks throughout South Vietnam when we were ordered in to Tay Ninh for a more secure position. He, I and a Sergeant from Memphis were the last 3 to leave the field position after having filled in all our defensive trenches, foxholes, etc. The VC decided that that would be a good time to mortar us. Catching a break in the barrage, we jumped in the Jeep with CPT. Provost driving and me as rifleman and Sgt. Sears driving the lowboy with the dozer aboard. Amazingly, we made the trip to Tay Ninh without consequence.
In Tay Ninh, someone had to be awake at all times to act as Charge of Quarters - First Sergeant Joseph St. Pierre, the Company Executive Officer, Capt. Provost and I split the time equally each night to act as CQ.
I was honored to serve with such a fine man and a great commander. He earned the respect of the entire company.
I will never forget him.
Charlie Weeman
May 23, 2018
Rene Provost family and brother in-law,
I knew you for many years in the Guard.
I first met you at Camp Grasso in Niantic.
I can remember snorkeling off the beach
and giving you the scallops I caught in the
river off the camp.
May God bless you and your family.
With most sincerity and affection,
SFC Charlie Weeman
[email protected]
May 15, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Provost family on their loss. Rene was very influential in my baseball and basketball careers.
Tom " Coach " Auclair
Milton Herrick
May 14, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT 06239
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