Joseph H. "Philip" Gendreau

AGAWAM- Joseph H. “Philip� Gendreau, 79, of Feeding Hills, passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife on Saturday, February 5, 2011, surrounded by his loving and devoted children, after a courageous battle of many years to sustain life. He will be remembered by his family as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, devoted brother, a great uncle, godfather, and brother-in-law. Joe was born in Holyoke, son of the late Wilfred and Rosanna (LaBonte) Gendreau, was educated in the Holyoke schools, and had been employed for more than 35 years at Technifax Corp., which later became Zidex, retiring in 1985. He also worked at Sears, and had lived in Granby for 30 years before moving to Feeding Hills in 1991. Joe always had a kind word for everybody. A man of few words, but he was a good listener. He was a man of great faith, and his family was his whole life. Joe served as a Eucharistic minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, was a team leader for Teen Encounter, made a Marriage Encounter, was a member of the church Men’s Club, and served on the Evangelization Committee. He was a diehard fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. He loved reading his morning paper with his coffee. He was a giving and thankful man, and a servant unto his Lord. He will be remembered for his contagious smile. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Jean (Lachapelle) Gendreau, his devoted children: Peter A. Gendreau and his wife Debra of VT, Joseph P. Gendreau and Phillip W. Gendreau, both of Feeding Hills, Bernadine L. Ruell and her husband Thomas of Ware, Cynthia Jean Dennette and her husband Christopher of VT, and Melissa M. Gendreau Costa and her husband Antonio of Granby,11 loving grandchildren: Nathan, Jeremiah and Andrew Ruell, Amy, Christopher, and Nicholas Dennette, Brittney, Brandon and Erin Gendreau, Matthew and Michelle Costa, two step-grandchildren, Angela and Jason Costa, three great grandchildren: Christopher Dennette, and Jaden and Jessie Ruell, his best friend and devoted, loving sister, Lorraine D. Bell and her husband John of Holyoke, who along with their daughter Karen, never left his side during his difficult days and hospitalizations, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends and neighbors. Joe was predeceased by a daughter, Michelle Lorraine Gendreau, a granddaughter Amanda Michelle Dennette, a brother, Wilfred “Roger� Gendreau, four sisters: Marie “Gloria� McClendon, Mona “Teresa� Martin, Bella Davis, and Jacqueline Watson. The family would like to extend special thanks to all of Joe’s caregivers while hospitalized, especially those at BSMC Springfield 1 and ICU, for their compassion and love over these many hospitalizations, and to all those at Tender Loving Care & Mercy Home Care for their love and wonderful care. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9:45 from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, followed by a Mass at 11:00 am in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby. Burial will be in Precious Blood Cemetery, South Hadley. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm.