Leonard M. Poyant Sr.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Maurice J. and Irene A. (Gaudette) Poyant, he was a lifelong area resident.

Mr. Poyant graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School in 1955. While still in high school, he joined the United States Navy Reserve where he served for 30 years, retiring as Senior Chief Petty Officer.

Mr. Poyant was president/CEO of Poyant Signs, Inc. which was founded by his father in 1938. He was very active in the sign industry for many years with leadership roles with the Massachusetts Sign Contractors Association, Rhode Island Sign Contractors Association, Northeast States Sign Contractors Association, United States Sign Council and World Sign Associates. He was known throughout the industry as a collaborative competitor who was always willing to assist others in the industry whenever he could. He officially retired from Poyant Signs in 2014 but continued to advise and mentor his team long after his retirement.

Mr. Poyant was an active participant in his community and his church. He was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 24 for several years, was a SMILES mentor, and also served as president of the local chapter of the Exchange Service Club. He was a loyal volunteer for the annual Lakeside Family Festival and sang in the choir at St. John Neumann Church.

He especially enjoyed family gatherings, watching the shenanigans of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling to interesting places, spending winters in Florida, playing cards with his cousins, taking and sharing photos, attending Ice Cream Wednesdays, and walking his faithful canine companion, Bo.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Richard V. Poyant and his wife, Susan of Fairhaven; Lisa Pelletier and her husband, Denis of Rochester; Lynn Poyant and her husband, Daniel Patten of New Bedford; Danielle Poyant of New Bedford; Monique Poyant and her husband, Michael Tarpey of New Bedford; and, Leonard M. Poyant, Jr. and his wife, Heather of Cranston, RI; three sisters, Gloria Richard-Chartier and her husband Armand of Acushnet; Nina Poyant of Goose Creek, SC; and, Charlotte Fredette and her husband, Paul of Dartmouth; 17 grandchildren, Stephanie Poyant-Moran, Erin Garris, Andrew Poyant, Matthew Desrosiers, Kyle Desrosiers, Maggie Pelletier, Zachary Patten, Sydney Patten, Madison Ellingwood, Hadley Gray, Corrie McCue, Owen Tarpey, Will Tarpey, Tess Tarpey, Luke Tarpey, Evelyn Poyant, and Anita Poyant; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Juliette “Judy” Berthiaume.

The family would like to thank the Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association and Home Instead for the care and comfort they provided. They would especially like to thank Sergine Jirardin for her loving service to Mr. Poyant and his family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 9, 3 to 7 p.m. at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. His funeral Mass will be Wednesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., Freetown. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 (www.dana-farber.org) or St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., PO Box 718, E. Freetown, MA 02717 (www.sjnfreetown.org.) For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com.