Real N. Fournier

Real Norman Fournier, 94, of East Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. Born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada on May 6, 1932, he was a son to the late Edgar and Marthe (Thibodeau) Fournier. He leaves his lovely wife of 68 years Lucy Ann Martin Fournier.

Real was a graduate of the "Wagner School sign & Art of Boston. Real got his degree before embarking on a career that saw him creating City Signs, Leonard signs and later his own business "Real Signs."

Outside of professional life, Real was deeply in personal hobbies that reflected his artistic and meticulous nature. He took great pleasure in building World War II model airplanes, showcasing his attention to detail and love for history. He took great pride in decorating their home with paintings Their rec room looks like a museum.

Among all his talents the one he liked the best was playing the banjo. Music was his passion and solace.

He performed with his wife Lucy who was a pianist & singer for 32 years. They played all over. We were honored to play at the World's Fair in New York City. Real also won the cup for being the best banjo player in the Northeast. When Lucy retired from music, he joined a dixieland band and played another 30 yrs. They opened the Foxwoods Resort Casino, and they ended by working there for six years. All in all, he played until he was 80 yrs old.

Real was a gentle, kind, compassionate person. His life was a portrait of love, goodness and artistry. His legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

He was also a longtime member of Crossroads Cathedral in East Hartford.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughter Carol Murray of East Hartford; his granddaughter Sara Murray of Texas; two brothers, Roch from Ottawa, Canada and Rene Fournier of Fredericton, NB, Canada. He was predeceased by his son, Donald R. Fournier of Rocky Hill; two sisters, Rita and Rina; and one brother, Rino.

Private funeral and burial services will be held at the convenience of his family. There are no calling hours. In honor of Real's memory, contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com