Reginald J. Violette, 84, beloved husband of Marielle (Bernier) Violette, of East Hartford, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Van Buren, Maine and was son to the late Arcade and Leah (Theriault) Violette. He was a devoted and loving brother to his twelve siblings. He extended this love and devotion to his wife’s eight siblings.
Reginald proudly served in the U.S. Army. He lived most of his life in East Hartford. He was a faithful man and a devout Catholic, attending both St. Rose and St. Christopher’s Church for nearly his entire life. He had a 26 year career with the Hartford Police Department where he served as a beat cop – a job he truly loved. He rose to the rank of detective and served in both the Homicide and Internal Affairs divisions. He was remembered by his police family for his integrity and intelligence. Upon retirement from the police force, he worked for Travelers Insurance in their Fraud Investigation Unit. He retired in 1990.
He will be remembered for his tag-sale expertise, his incredible sense of humor and his quick wit. Right up to his last hours, he was still able to make his wife and children laugh. He truly enjoyed his family, and the birth of each new child was cause for celebration. His motto was “there’s always room for one more!” He was known to us as the “child whisperer” – put a restless baby in his lap and all will be calm.
In addition to his beloved wife of 64 years, Marielle, he is also survived and will be dearly missed by his eight children and their spouses: Glenn and Susan (Begam) Violette of Craig, CO; Gail and Dale Duby of East Haddam, CT; Gary and Louise (Theroux) Violette of Holland, MA; Karen Violette of Cape Cod, MA; Lynn Keena of Cape Cod, MA; Janet and Timothy Ryder of South Windsor, CT; Kevin and Karen (Frick) Violette of Woodbury, CT; and Kenneth and Pamela (Day) Violette of South Windsor, CT. His children cherished their father, and he returned their love a thousand times over.
Pop will be greatly missed by his precious and loving grandchildren: Alyson Karpiej, Amber Marino and Caitlin Duby; Jeremy, Todd and Eric Violette; Brandon Walpole; Justin and Julia Keena; Leanne Ryder; Daniel, Adam and Mark Violette; Jake and Wade Violette. He will also be missed by each of his great grandchildren: Danielle, Luke, Alynna and Kade Karpiej, Anthony Marino; Braden Violette; Reagan Violette; Shaeley Arneson and Bella Walpole.
He leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews and their children, far too numerous to list. Uncle Reggie truly loved them all.
Please join the family on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 10:00AM in St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer Street. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 930 Burnside Ave., all in East Hartford. There are no calling hours. A gathering in celebration of Reggie’s life will follow the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to:
St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; or to the angels at Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut (Masonicare Hospice), 74 Cheshire Road Wallingford, CT 06492
The Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, East Hartford was entrusted. For directions or online tributes, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com
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