Albert Joseph Ouillette

Born June 3, 1941, in Taunton, Massachusetts, Albert lived a life defined by humor, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith. A proud steward of the Catholic Church, he found strength and comfort in his beliefs and carried that grace into every part of his life.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene (Marcotte) Ouillette; Joseph's second wife, Noella (Abreau) Ouillette; and his brother, Roger Ouillette, and wife, Louise.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Sara Conti Ouillette, and his former wife and the mother of his three children, Barbara Griffin Ouillette.

Albert was the proud and devoted father of Irene Marie Ouillette of Longwood, FL; Lynne Ann Ouillette Rhea and her husband, Douglas, of Orlando, FL; and Donna Rae Ouillette of Orlando, FL. He deeply cherished his grandsons, A.J. Hunter Valente and Owen Ouillette Rhea, who were the light of his later years and brought him endless joy. Albert is also survived by his beloved sisters, Diane Roy and her husband, Norman, and Suzanne Galanti and her husband, Joseph, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

A Life of Service and Dedication

Albert enlisted in the United States Army in June 1958, serving overseas as a machinery specialist until his honorable discharge in 1961. A proud disabled veteran, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves for several more years in his hometown of Taunton, Massachusetts. His dedication to country was matched only by his devotion to hard work.

Albert went on to serve more than twenty-six years with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 2005 as the Southeast Regional Vehicle Maintenance Manager. Known for his “no-nonsense” approach and ironclad work ethic, Albert earned multiple awards and the admiration of colleagues across the country.

A Life Rich in Joy and Simplicity

Beyond titles and service, Albert lived for connection. He was a member of the American Legion and the Moose Lodge and served proudly as an usher at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida.

Known to most as Al, Abby, Dad, or Pepere, he filled rooms with laughter through his storytelling, one-liners, and occasional pranks. Beneath his tough-guy wit was a generous, soft-hearted man who never hesitated to lend a hand or make someone’s day a little brighter.

Albert loved Florida’s sunshine, riding his motorcycle along the coast with friends, and traveling in his motorhome. His favorite pastimes included fishing, playing solitaire and sudoku, puttering around the house, and visiting with friends and family. He was known for making his signature popcorn every Sunday, serving the best scrambled eggs, and perfecting his favorite childhood meal — chow mein — a family favorite. Saturdays were for hot dogs and beans, Fridays for fish and chips, and every day was better with eclairs and lemon pie.

Family Above All

“Pepere” found his greatest joy in his grandchildren — teaching A.J. and Owen how to drive, taking them fi shing, and letting them chauffeur him around town. Every diner breakfast and fi shing trip became a story the boys will carry for a lifetime.

To his daughters, Albert was not just a father but a steady hand, a voice of humor, and a wellspring of unconditional love — truly the best dad ever. His warmth, quick wit, and unwavering presence shaped a family that carries his legacy forward.

Faith and Farewell

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 425 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Florida.

A burial with Military Honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, honorary donations may be made to Albert’s lifelong causes: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Wounded Warrior Project.

The Legacy

Albert Joseph Ouillette — also known as Dad, Abby, Al, Pepere, Brother, Uncle, Neighbor, and Friend — was a man of laughter, discipline, resilience and boundless heart. He embodied the phrases he loved most:

“How Sweet It Is.”

“C’est la Vie — That’s Life.”

Albert will be deeply missed, but his humor, strength, and kindness will echo through every story told, every smile remembered, and every act of generosity inspired by his example. -Albert Joseph Ouillette