On Wednesday, March 24th, Wilfred Peloquin Jr., known to all as Junior, age 88, died peacefully in his sleep with his loving wife by his side. He was born June 9th, 1932, in Chicopee, a son of the late Wilfred Peloquin Sr., and Pearl Peloquin (née Mitchell). He graduated from Central trade school in 1950 excelling in the fine art of common sense – a source of wisdom which would serve him well throughout his remarkable life. He joined the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1950, just months after the breakout of the Korean War. He served honorably, ultimately finding a home in the engine room of Destroyer escort DE-750 – the U.S.S. McClelland. His post-military career consisted of various jobs: milk delivery, truck driving, welding, and working at New England Container until finding employment at Larry’s Supply in Chicopee – a business he would one day own. Over 45+ years at Larry’s he helped tens of thousands of customers with their heating, hardware and plumbing problems, and he did it with humor and a spirit of generosity – often offering a Canadian pink mint in the process. Had he chosen to seek the office, he could well have been elected mayor of Chicopee. A founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4044, Junior, a loving and dutiful parent, was there for his children and put their needs in front of his own. Regardless of life circumstances, he made it a priority to gather the family on Sundays, pack up the large green station wagon, and embark on long and wonderful adventure drives. He discreetly gave what little he had to all manner of charities. In his unique way, he set a foundation from which each of his children could build their own lives. He was loved by his extended family, as he was by anyone who knew him as more than a casual acquaintance. In retirement he enjoyed fishing and playing golf as a member of the East Mountain Country Club in Westfield. He welcomed opportunities to help others, the first to show up, the last to part, and always displaying an unmatched work ethic. In his twilight years he worked through extraordinary circumstances and pain, keeping his discomfort to himself. He doted on his “honey bunny,” his loving wife of 65 years, Claire Charlotte (née Riendeau), forever faithful to his vow to place her happiness above all else. He proposed to her 50 times to win her hand. Predeceased by his 5-year-old son Thomas (Tommy) and his newborn grandson Ty, as well as his two brothers Raymond and Harold, Junior leaves his son Ron of Windsor, CT, his son Richard of Chicopee, his daughter Terry and her husband Ken Adams of Greenfield, his son Raymond and his wife Diane of Merrimack, NH, and his son Robert and his wife Holly of Chicopee. He also leaves five grandchildren: Rachel, Mathew, Logan, Katie and Adrean, one great-grandchild, Hazel, as well as his three sisters Pat, Shirley, and Beverly, sister-in-law Adreanne, and brother-in-law Bob - all of whom he dearly loved. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 28, 2021 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, March 29, 2021 at St Rose de Lima Church in Aldenville at 11:00 AM followed by a burial at St Rose de Lima Cemetery. Our father made it clear he did not want flowers – he reflected that upon his passing he would want an atmosphere of celebration informed by a wealth of happy memories. Were he to have a final word, he would request that you do an act of kindness for a stranger, and emulate his spirit of generosity as you make your way in life. Peaceful rest to you, Junior, and open roads.