Rene Lucien Riopel

Rene L. Riopel 1924-2009 Rene Lucien Riopel, 85, of Chicopee passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2009. Born in Chicopee, he was the son of the late Lucien and Yvonne (Viens) Riopel. Rene worked with his father and operated the former Riopel Paint and Hardware store in Willimansett, retiring in 1989. He moved to Amherst and resided there for (15) years before returning to Chicopee. He was an active member of the Chicopee community. He was the founder and president of the Y Merchants Association. He was treasurer for several years of the Willimansett Credit Union and served on the Viaduct Commission in Willimansett. He was a former communicant of Nativity Church where he was a member of the League of Sacred Heart. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #69 of Chicopee and a 4th Degree member of the Arch Bishop Williams Assembly. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #353 of Chicopee and was a communicant of St. Bridget Church in Amherst. Rene was an Army veteran of World War II. A Private First Class he was a member of Co. A 365th Medical Battalion. He assisted in administering first aid, was in charge of a German prisoners of war camp hospital during the occupation of Germany and was the Battalion interpreter while in France. He was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal Germany, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon and European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon. He is survived by a sister, Cecile V. Guay and her husband Marcel of Chicopee, and cousins, Justine Wajda of Holyoke and Rose Marion of Enfield, CT. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 17, 2009 from the Brunelle Funeral Home 811 Chicopee St., Chicopee at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial in Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church at 11 a.m. Burial will Military Honors will follow in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery, Chicopee. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Nativity Church, 780 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. For Guest Book:brunellefuneralhome.com Brunelle Funeral Home (413) 532-7711