Claude Routhier

Surrounded by his loving wife and family, Claude Yvon “Poppy” Routhier, 86, of East Hartford, CT, slipped peacefully from this world on February 4th, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with both Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Born in Thetford Mines, Quebec on October 5th, 1938, Claude and his loving wife Lise “Tardif” Routhier were the embodiment of the American Dream; moving to Hartford, CT in 1960 he began cultivating a life for him and his growing family; learning the language and culture both, he found employment with Coca-Cola and Heublein Inc, spending 26 years with and retiring from the latter. Claude was predeceased by his parents Dorveni and Rachel Routhier and sister Micheline Delisle, and leaves behind his wife of 62 years, sister Lise Lehoux and husband Henri of Thetford Mines, QC and brother Gaetan Routhier and wife Lisette of St. Therese de la Gatineau, QC, his daughter, Esther Richardello and husband, Todd, his three grandchildren, Robert-Claude and wife Kelly Richardello, Garrett, and Logan, as well as two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Emerson and many nieces and nephews  Always a diligent and dependable worker, Claude found enjoyment pulling countless trout from local rivers, always joined by his son-in-law and grandchildren, he often put them to shame, he acted as hockey and baseball chauffeur  and attended countless horse-shows, recitals, and band concerts, never hesitating to show his love and support. Although he may have departed this world, Claude has left behind a legacy of friendship, loyalty, and an unwavering work ethic worthy of great reverence. He is and will be desperately missed, but the cherished laughs and memories left behind will always be there to remind his loved ones just how lucky they were to have him for the time they did. A heartfelt and loving thank you goes out to Pedro, Sherry, Karen, Maxine, and Barbara for the wonderful care provided to him during his final days. In addition, a special thank you must be given to Ms. Kathleen who continuously went above and beyond her call of duty, allowing Claude and his family to maneuver this process with sympathy, dignity, and undying love and support: Kathleen you were and continue to be a gift for those lucky enough to experience your ways.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday February 13th at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home of East Hartford, CT. Family will be there to receive friends and well-wishers from 8:30am-9:30am at the funeral home, with a traditional Catholic mass following immediately at 10:00am at St. Christopher’s Church in East Hartford, CT.