Rene A. Remillard

Rene A. Remillard

WOONSOCKET - Rene A. Remillard, 85, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Sharon (Johnson Tassler) Remillard. They were married for 46 years.

Born in Woonsocket, RI. he was the son of the late Aram and Beatrice (Girard) Remillard. Rene lived in Lincoln, RI for the past 30 years, previously residing in Bellingham, MA.

He cherished life's simple joys and meaningful moments, finding great happiness in traveling with his beloved wife and sharing adventures near and far. He talked the most about the multiple cross-country trips shared with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law in his RV. His sense of adventure was reflected in his passion for snowmobiling and hitting the road on a motorcycle.

A devoted music enthusiast, he filled his days with melodies and dancing like nobody was watching. He was often drawn to the beauty of live performances, attending theatre productions that enriched his spirit. His love of the outdoors was reflected in his proud membership with the Cumberland Beagle Club, where he enjoyed camaraderie and connection. He became a gentleman farmer as a third generation owner of the family homestead in Nebraska. He proudly restored both an antique barn and the farmhouse.

He dedicated his professional life to caring for others, serving as a Registered Nurse with the State of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health for 34 years until his retirement in 1995. He was the first President Unit VII, MA State Nurses from 1974-1980. During his tenure he negotiated dozens of contracts that addressed the economic and general welfare of professionals across the Commonwealth.

His calling to healthcare began during his military service, where he served honorably as a combat medic in Korea at the age of 17. Using the GI bill he earned his nursing degree from Rhode Island Junior College (CCRI) in 1972. This degree allowed him to return to military service in the Army Nurse Corp USAR. He achieved the rank of Lt Colonel and served with the 455th General Hospital in RI until 1994. His service reflected both courage and devotion, leaving a lasting impact on those he cared for and worked alongside. He was an active member of the Reserve Officers Association (ROA). He dedicated several years of service to the Veterans Engagement Group, Long-Term Services and Support, Centers of Innovation, Providence VA. He later earned a BS degree from Rhode Island College and an MEd from Cambridge College He completed the Combat Trauma Nurse course earning the Expert Field Medical Badge. He always continued his working career with steadfast compassion and commitment. He helped the youth in Lincoln serving as Chairman of the Juvenile Hearing Board from 2001-2010. He was fair and compassionate in addressing issues that brought them in front of the board and always protected their privacy.

Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, whose love and laughter were the heart of his world. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Paul Remillard and his wife Christine Bolduc of Blackstone, MA; three grand-daughters: Cassandra Remillard and her husband Jeremy Mazzola of North Smithfield; Mackenzie Remillard Maye and her husband Tim of Millbury, MA; Emily Bolduc Parker and her husband Eddie of Uxbridge, MA. He also leaves a brother, Gerard Remillard and his wife Noella of North Haven, CT; a sister-in-law, Barbara Johnson Hanson and her husband Lee of Ceresco, NE; plus nieces and nephews in CT, NE, MN and MO.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Rene's Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road Cumberland. A Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Presidential Legacy Fund of the CCRI Foundation, CCRI Office of Institutional Advancement 1762 Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, RI 02865.

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com