Rene J. Savoie

Rene J. Savoie, 91, of Ludlow, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2017.  His death follows shortly after the September passing of his beloved wife of nearly 71 years, Myrtle Mae (Falconer) Savoie. Son of the late Rene W. and Emiliana (Fontaine) Savoie, he was born in Ludlow on January 5, 1926. Rene was a student at Ludlow High School, leaving during his final year to run the family business, Savoie’s Dairy in Ludlow. He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. McClellan in Alabama.  His many skills and strong work ethic helped to support his growing family.  Rene worked at the Monsanto Bircham Bend Plant for 29 years, retiring as Maintenance Supervisor.  He built two family homes during his life, designing, cutting and milling timber for his and Myrt’s retirement home in Johnson, VT.  He spent his 35 years of retirement making maple syrup, hunting and enjoying visits from family, friends and neighbors until his return to Ludlow in 2013.

He was leader of Ludlow Boy Scout Troop # 181, an active member of Ludlow Boys and Girls Club’s “Gypsy Tribe” Camping group and FMCA “RV” Chapters. He passed on his “salt of the earth” values and standards by the example he and Myrt set for their children.  The Savoies were voted Mass. Scouting Family of the Year when all were active in Scouting.  Rene delighted in his nearly 3 decades of Christmas Eve visits to homes and hospitals as the “jolly fellow in red”.  His devotion and love of family, the outdoors and his sense of fun lives on in his children.

Rene is survived by: four sons Rhett (Jane) of Berlin, VT, Reid (Carol) of Wilbraham, MA, Rory of Johnson, VT, Reese of Ludlow, MA; three daughters Regina Germain (Jack) of Hampden, MA, Roxanne Savoie of Ludlow, MA and Rhonda Zina (Dick) of Palmer, MA. He also leaves his sister Rita (Larry) Beaudry and his brother Roland Savoie both of Ludlow, MA;  his sister-in-law Mary “Mimi” Savoie of Agawam along with his brother-in-law Roland “Chick” Falconer of Wells, ME.  Rene leaves 16 beloved grandchildren: Journe and Jacene Germain, Jolette (Ryan) Conway, Curt Zina, Calli (Tony) Phillips, Corinne (Bill) Matchett, Britney(Adam) Crisafulli,  Bethany(Luke) Jenne, Brandon (Jaime) Savoie, Brody (Jillian) Savoie, Austin (Amanda) Savoie, Zarah, Zethan, Soren, Torrey and Taran Savoie as well as 16 great-grandchildren Kailen, Rilynn, Emerson, Cardin, Theoren, Tristan, Raelyn, Matthew, Mason, Mia, Isalina, Emiliana, Luca, Roman, Reese, and Gehrig as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother Roger Savoie.

Rene will also be fondly remembered by his many friends, RV fellows, neighbors (VT and MA) and the loving staff and residents from Life Care Center of Wilbraham, MA.