Florian Bourget’s work led him to proverbially “Touch the Stars”. He witnessed countless space shuttle launchings from the coastline of Florida during the heyday of NASAs “Shuttle Era” in the 1980s. However, his innate intelligence and homespun wisdom were as down to earth and as deeply rooted as the lessons he learned while growing up in his hometown of Woonsocket. Every time a shuttle lifted off and slipped the "Surly bonds of earth", a part of Florian Bourget also went as the shuttle soared towards the heavens.
Florian L. “Flo” Bourget, 80, of Woonsocket passed away peacefully Wednesday November 12, 2025 at Landmark Medical Center surrounded by the love of his family. Florian was the loving husband of Suzanne J. (Lambert) Bourget. They were married on August 13, 1978.
Born and raised in Woonsocket he was a son of the late Armand and Cecile (Beaudry) Bourget. Florian was raised in the shadow of St. Ann’s Parish as its twin steeples loomed over the tight-knit Social ‘Coin neighborhood where he grew up and went to school.
In 1978 Flo and Sue relocated to Florida. Florian’s professional journey would lead him to work at NASA - at the John F. Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. While at NASA Florian was employed by USBI and later Morton-Thiokol. He was an integral part of the team at the shuttle booster assembly and refurbishment facility located in the iconic Vehicle Assembly Buildings (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center. Florian worked at NASA from 1978 until 1986 when he moved back home to Woonsocket. While living in Florida was quite the adventure, as Flo would say “there’s no place like home”. Florian would go on to work for Garelick Farms and Pepin Lumber. He also worked for Valley Transportation, and at Woonsocket City Hall.
Florian was an active parishioner of his home parish, the former St. Ann’s Church on Cumberland Street in Woonsocket. He was involved in numerous ministries and activities at St. Ann’s including the youth group, men’s club, bingo and meat raffles. Upon the 1998 merger to form All Saints Parish Florian was also active especially as a member of the finance council. In recent years Flo and Sue have been members at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Cumberland.
Active in the community and always looking for ways to give back, Florian served as a member of the Autumnfest steering committee for many years and was a longtime member of Cercle Laurier. Florian enjoyed woodworking as a hobby and crafted numerous items including birdhouses. He liked to play Solitaire on his computer and watch television with his wife and his dog, Buddy.
“Hey, you got a minute”, if you know Florian and heard those words you knew that he was going to share something that was important to him. Florian was a treasure chest of knowledge and experience and he was not shy about sharing it as long as you were within earshot.
Florian’s favorite times were spent with his family and his favorite role in life was being a proud and loving Pepere.
Florian will be remembered for his kindness, good nature and generosity with his time and talents.
Florian is survived by his wife of over 47 years Sue Bourget. He was the father of Agnes Back and her husband Glenn of Florida, Melissa “Missy” Orlando-Bryda and her significant other Bill Bryda of Woonsocket and Jeannine Zahler and husband Keith of Woonsocket. He was brother of the late Roger, Andre and Laurent Bourget, Jeannine Lamoore, Rita Tarvis and Agnes “Penny” Poulin. Florian is also survived by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.
The family would like to offer their deep gratitude to Dr. James Klinger and all the staff at the Brown University Health's Center for Advance Lung Care in Providence for their wonderful care and attention Florian received over the past several years. Simply put, are a lifesavers!
Everyone is welcome to gather to honor, remember and pray for Florian at his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday November 22nd at 11am, at St. Joan of Arc Church on Mendon Rd. in Cumberland. Florian will be laid to rest at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Florian’s honor may be made to
The Brown Center for Advance Lung Care at Miriam Hospital at giving.brownhealth.org/RIH/CALC
Arrangements are in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.com