Joseph R. Houle

WOONSOCKET - Joseph R. Houle, 79, of Woonsocket died Wednesday morning at Mt. St. Rita Health Center in Cumberland. He was the loving husband of Eileen V. (Quezumbra) Houle and the late Pauline (Paul) Houle.
Born in Woonsocket he was a son of the late Herve and Opalma (Fontaine) Houle. He was a lifelong resident of the city.
Service to his country was one of the central hallmarks of Mr. Houle's life. He was a veteran of three branches of the Armed Forces: the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Air Force and the U. S. Army. He continually served over 20 years spanning the Korean, Vietnam and Cold War eras.
In civilian life Joe was employed as a professional truck driver for Wilson Freight and later worked for for CVS based in Woonsocket for over 20 years before retiring.
He was a member of the St. Joseph Veterans Association and enjoyed playing golf and participating in area bowling leagues. A true New England sports fan Joe was a staunch supporter of the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Paul Coutu, Jr. and his wife, April, of CA., and two daughters Ann Marie LaFortune and her husband, Marc, of TX and Paula Dube and her husband, Eric, of Woonsocket. He was the brother of Therese Chartier and Lillian Lavoie and the late Lionel, Alfred, Robert and Albert Houle, Florence Bouvier Pamela Leduc and Loretta Plante. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10:30 am in St. Joseph Church, Mendon Rd. Woonsocket with military honors following. Burial will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are by the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave., Woonsocket. www.menardfuneralhome.com