Robert A. Ouellette

Robert A. Ouellette, 92, of East Longmeadow, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016 in the comfort of his family. Born in Springfield, MA to the late Donat P. and Mary (Landry) Ouellette, Robert attended Springfield Technical High School. He was employed by the Springfield Armory as a quality control technician in the production of the Garand military rifle prior to joining the U.S. Navy in World War II. From February 1943 to March 1946, he proudly served in the Pacific as Radarman, Third Class aboard the destroyer escorts USS Deede (DE-263) and USS Canfield (DE-262). He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal (4 stars). Robert served as a member of the Springfield Fire Department from 1946 to 1952, during which time he also worked with his father and brother as a General Contractor. He was co-owner of The Saw Center, Inc., a family business in Springfield, from 1952 to 1974, owner of Chain Saws of New England, Inc. in Springfield from 1974 to 1985, and owner and operator of East Longmeadow Printing from 1987 to 1997. Robert was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow, serving in many capacities including as a member of the Board of Deacons. He was Chairman of both the East Longmeadow Conservation Commission and the East Longmeadow Planning Board. He was a Master Gardener and Toastmaster. His many avocations included Christmas tree farming, beekeeping and winemaking. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, competitive golf, chess and family camping vacations. In retirement, he and his wife Jean traveled throughout the U.S in their Volkswagen camper, especially enjoying extended trips to Alaska. He was a talented artist and a lifelong professional musician. He played acoustic bass in the Fats Daniels Orchestra and the Ronnie Drumm Orchestra, both based in Springfield, as well as in regional community orchestras and jazz bands. Robert was predeceased by his loving and cherished wife of 67 years, Sara Jean (Carew) Ouellette, his beloved daughter Janice Cacciapuoti, his sister Anne O�Brien and his brother Donald Ouellette. He is survived by his children Thomas Ouellette and his wife Lisa of Vernon, CT, Judith (Brown) Lawrence and her husband Charles of South Hadley, and John Ouellette of Longmeadow, and son-in-law Anthony Cacciapuoti of West Milford, NJ; by his grandchildren Jeffrey Brown and his wife Christine of Nashua, NH, Michael Cacciapuoti and his wife Mona of Puyallup, WA, David Cacciapuoti and his wife Melissa of Anaheim, CA, Dana Ouellette and her fiance Matthew LaMontagne of Prospect, CT, and Nathan Ouellette of Boston; and by his great-grandsons Nicholas and Ryan Brown and Quinn Cacciapuoti. He also leaves loving in-laws and nieces and nephews. Robert and his family are grateful for the dedicated and compassionate assistance of his caregivers Frederick Quartey and Emmanuel Kinisu. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd, Wilbraham, MA. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made at Wilbrahamfuneralhome.com Memorial donations may be made in Robert�s name to the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow, 7 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.