Blackstone-Rene J. Ethier, 86, formerly of Blackstone, MA went to the Lord with family by his bedside on Sept. 2 at Hebert’s Nursing Home in Smithfield, RI where he was a resident for 7 years.
He is survived by 3 daughters, Tammy Ethier of Woonsocket, Cheryl Coleman of Millville, and Carol Nault and her husband Roger of Narragansett, RI; 1 son Gary Ethier of Pawtucket, RI; 4 sisters Blanche Pelletier of Uxbridge, Sylvia (Figuerido) McCausland of Mapleville, RI, Yvonne Coyle of NJ, and Ellen Bowen of Millville; 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren; and a large family of nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his loving companion, Thelma Leclerc of Uxbridge, MA, a son Alan; 6 brothers Leo, Oliver, Leonard, Omer, Alphonse, and William Ethier; 3 sisters, Regina Laliberte, Bella Wayland, and Viola Balon.
Born in Millville on Jan. 4, 1926 he was one of 14 children born to Alphonse and Flora (Cabana) Ethier. He learned at a very young age the responsibilities of incessant work details shared with his siblings on the family-owned Chestnut Hill Diary Farm in Millville, MA.
Mr. Ethier received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in Dec. of 1945. His work in the medical field as a navy enlistee encouraged him to pursue employment in local nursing homes and hospitals. He also worked in local textile mills and was responsible in various capacities as a long time worker at the Southwick Wild Animal Farm and was influential in its inception. He enjoyed entertaining, having been raised within a family of professional entertainers. Taking on the name of “Ray Moore” he became a weekly voice as DJ in the early days of radio station WNRI, Woonsocket, RI. Rene loved his family and enjoyed the many family reunions and would relish participating in impromptu presentations with family members. He will long be remembered for his wit, outgoing personality, love of laughter, and was a huge Red Sox fan.
His funeral Mass will be held on Thurs. Sept. 6 from Tancrell-Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Rd., Uxbridge with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, 17 Lincoln St., Millville. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s cemetery in Blackstone. Rene’s relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thurs. Sept. 6 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. To leave a condolence message for the family online, please visit www.jackmanfuneralhomes.com
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