Edward Joseph Gravel Sr.’s journey began on May 11, 1944 when he arrived as the son of the late Leodard and Theresa Marie (Phaneuf) Gravel at Woonsocket Hospital. 76 years later on December 25, 2020 Christmas Day, Ed passed away at home with his loving wife by his side after living a life of love and service. Ed was the loving husband of Claudette Elizabeth (Atrtuc) Gravel. Ed and Claudette were married on January 19, 1991 and shared many happy years together. Ed was also the former husband and lifelong friend of Carol Ann (Crossley) Gravel of Woonsocket.
Ed was a 1962 graduate of Woonsocket High School and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy. Ed would serve his country faithfully for the next several years until the time of his honorable discharge. Ed would remain forever proud of his service to his country. Civilian life found Ed working for several mills in the Woonsocket area and later he was employed with Tech Industries, then with the Getty service station and finally at Economy Sales & Service for many years before he retired.
Ed was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Fairmount and recently at St. Agatha Parish. Ed was involved in teaching and sharing his Catholic faith through religious education programs for both young and old.
For his leisure time Ed relished spending relaxing days fishing at many lakes and streams in the area. Ed was also an avid coin collector and liked to try his luck at local gaming establishments. Ed was a football fan of the Patriots and Green Bay Packers.
Ed’s heart was filled with love for all of his family and friends. Ed also had plenty of room in his heart for his faithful furry companion, his dog “Tootsie”.
Ed will be remembered as a man who loved his church, country and family and had a special knack for making people laugh. Indeed Ed leaves a beautiful legacy.
In addition to his wife Claudette, Ed is survived by his children Edward J. Gravel, Jr. and Paul T. Gravel both of Woonsocket, and Kathy T. Teague and her husband Mark of Taylorsville, North Carolina, Mary T. Yozura and her husband Rodney of Woonsocket, and Carol C. Rice and her husband John of Cambridge, Maine. Ed was the brother of Carl Gravel and his wife Mitch and Ronald Gravel and his wife Judy all of Woonsocket, Suzanne Pariseau and her husband Al of Harrisville and the late Paul Gravel. Ed is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Ed’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday December 31st at 10:00 am in St. Agatha Church, Joffre St. Woonsocket. Burial with military honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd. Suite 3004 Warwick, RI. 02886 or www.cancer.org. Masks, distancing and capacity requirements will be followed.
Arrangements are in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.comn