Emile A. Cotnoir, Jr., 83, of Manville Rd., Woonsocket, died Wednesday at St. Antoine Residence. He was the husband of Pauline (Brunelle) (LaCasse) Cotnoir, to whom he was married for the past 8 years. He was also the husband of the late Mary Ann (L’Heureux) Cotnoir, who died in 1996, and to whom he was married for 50 years.
Born in Woonsocket, he was a son of the late Emile A., Sr., and Anna (Marks) Cotnoir. He was a lifelong resident of Woonsocket.
During WWII, Mr. Cotnoir served as a radar operator with the U.S. Army Air Corps. in the Pacific Theater.
He worked for the Whitins Machine Works Co., in Whitinsville, for over 25 years, the Dennison-Avery Co., in Framingham, for over 15 years, and the Phillips Components Co., in Slatersville, for several years, before retiring.
Mr. Cotnoir was a member of the Golden Hearts Club. He enjoyed swimming, gardening, and coin collecting. In his younger years he did painting and wallpapering work. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, having held several jobs at once as he raised his family. His most cherished times were those spent with family, particularly with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Corlis A. Moniz, and her husband Peter, of Mendon, and Celeste A. Benjamin, and her husband, Robert, of Blackstone. Two granddaughters, Alissa A. Benjamin, of W. Yarmouth, MA, and Cara A. Benjamin, of Woonsocket, and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Robert Cotnoir, of Blackstone, Vincent Cotnoir, of Warwick, Leonard and Paul Cotnoir, both of Woonsocket, Russell “Chick’ Cotnoir, of Maine, Anna Mae Viens, of Bellingham, and the late Raymond, Donald, and Earl Cotnoir. Mr. Cotnoir is also survived by his wife Pauline’s children, David, Wayne, and Gary LaCasse, all of Woonsocket, Carol Garneau, of Johnston, and Diane Saillant, of Woonsocket, and his wife’s 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be Monday at 9:30 am from the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 463 South Main St., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Agatha’s Church, Joffre, St., Woonsocket. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Blackstone. Visiting hours are Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Memorial donations may be made to VNS of Greater RI, 6 Blackstone Valley Pl., Suite 515, Lincoln, RI., 02865. Visit www.fournierandfournier.com for guestbook and directions.