Jean Louis Faneuf, 92, a long time Holden resident died peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Worcester.  He was born in Worcester, the son of Joseph and Marie (Sinnott) Faneuf and lived in Holden for over 65 years.

He will be loving remembered by his devoted wife of 71 years, Bernice T. (Cournoyer) Faneuf; his two sons, Allan Faneuf and his wife, Susan of Sturbridge and Raymond Faneuf and his companion, Sheila Sullivan of Salisbury; six grandchildren, Julie Keefe and her husband, Kevin of Rutland, Amanda Morgan and her husband, Richard of Fairfield, CT, Rebecca Gersbacher and her husband, Thomas of Worcester, Nathan Faneuf and his companion, Krysta Buchholz of Aiken, South Carolina, Colleen LeClair and her husband, Eric of Sturbridge and Bryan Faneuf of Putnam, CT; his great-grandchildren, Patrick, Aidan, Jack and Aislinn Keefe, Emmylou and Becket Morgan, Grace and Oliver Gersbacher; Louie Faneuf and Alexis LeClair.  Jean was predeceased by his two sisters, Rhea Brule and Eloise Lambert, as well as his niece, Marie Brule.

At the age of 17, Jean enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during WWII, in the Pacific campaign, in the landings at Saipan and Okinawa.  After returning home he met the love of his life, Bernice Cournoyer.  The couple married and settled in Holden where they lived for over 65 years before moving to Marlborough this fall.  Jean worked as a tool and die maker for The Vellumoid Co. in Worcester for over 20 years.  He then worked at Assumption College and ended his working career as a courier, when a heart attack forced him to retire.  Jean loved big band music and was a gifted saxophone player and held a pilot’s license.

That health issue proved to be a blessing in disguise.  While recuperating in the hospital, he became acquainted with the UMass Hospital Volunteers.  This became a life changing event as Jean realized that he had a passion for helping others.  He became a volunteer in 1985 at the age of 60 and devoted himself to easing the pain and discomfort of others (especially the children in the Pediatric Ward).  He continued until he was 90+ years old, finally “retiring” in 2015.

Along the way he accrued in excess of 27,000 hours of volunteer time, more than any other person in the history of the hospital.  He received dozens of accolades for his work including a Commendation from President Obama and the State Legislature.  Jean was known for always having a pocket full of candy for the children in Pediatrics, but he was especially known for his quick wit and always left you smiling with a joke or kind word.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, at Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd. (Rte. 12), Sterling.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.