SPRINGFIELD - Felix C. “Phil” Rougeau, 93, of Springfield, MA passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2020. He was born on January 16, 1927, in Chicopee, MA, the son of Felix and Donalda (Robert) Rougeau. Phil attended Holyoke schools, then entered the United States Navy in 1945, serving in Hong Kong and Okinawa. He worked for General Electric for eight years, and in 1960 he started working for Baystate Gas Company, remaining there until his retirement in 1983. During his early years he enjoyed bowling, hockey, and softball, but his favorite activity was ballroom dancing, often at Mountain Park. It was on the dance floor where he met the love of his life, Joyce Lynch, and they were married on April 27, 1957. Phil and Joyce were blessed with three children; Diane, Susan, and David, and celebrated 62 wedding anniversaries together.
"Blessed are they who rear their families in honor and gentleness, who live courageous and upright lives." These words represent Phil, known by all as a kind man who was loved and greatly admired. While raising his family, Phil patiently and courageously endured Multiple Sclerosis for over 50 years. Despite his illness, he maintained his quick wit and sense of humor, and always enjoyed a good laugh.
Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his son, David Rougeau; his brother Rene, and sister Estelle Tessier; and recently by his son-in-law, David M. Wenning, on November 23, 2019. He is survived by his devoted wife Joyce; his sister Bertha LaBarre, sister-in-law Emily Rougeau; and two daughters, Diane (Rougeau) Dearing and her husband Joel, and Susan (Rougeau) Wenning. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Erin Rosario and her husband Nate, Kevin Dearing and his fiancée Stephanie Manson, Ryan Dearing, Michael Wenning and his companion Brittany Banning, and Kristen Wenning; along with three great-grandchildren Jaxon, Anya, and Myla Rosario, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
A special thank you from the family is extended to the EMT’s at American Medical Response who came to his aid so frequently in the last few years; Shelly Green, his home health aide; and all of the Nurses and Staff at Mont Marie Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for the attention and care they provided for Phil during these last few weeks.
His relatives and friends are invited to attend a visiting hour on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, East Springfield, MA 01104, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. His burial will follow the Mass with US Navy Military Honors at Saint Michael Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, 101A 1st Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451. For more details, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com
