Romeo R. Roussel

ATHOL - Romeo R. Roussel, 82, of 85 Castle Ave., Athol, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 in Quabbin Valley Healthcare Center, Athol. He was born in Athol, on November 26, 1925, the son of the late Peter M. and the late MarieAnne (Hebert) Roussel. He enlisted in the US Navy on November 17, 1943. He was involved in the planning of the Normandy and the Southern France invasions in 1944. He was granted a fifteen-day pass to get married and it was thirteen months before he was able to see his wife again. During his tour, he went through the Panama Canal, then to the Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, Guam and Almerti Island. He headed to Iwo Jima and was on the beach for four days before the flag was raised and was present on February 19th. He brought troops back and forth preparing for the invasion of Okinowa. He was preparing to go to Japan prior to the A bomb being dropped. Mr. Roussel was a part of four invasions in the South Pacific. It was recorded that nineteen torpedoes were aimed at his ship and none hit. They all hit the ship next to his along with many Kamikaze planes that bombed the area he was in. The Invasion of Normandy was the largest Naval invasion the world has ever seen. Mr. Roussel owned and operated Roussel's Barber Shop on South Street in Athol for 61 years. He enjoyed horseshoes and played for 60 years for the Orange Peels. He enjoyed bowling at Star Ally's and the Athol-Orange Ten Pin. Roussel's Barber Shop has sponsored local softball and basketball teams for many years. He received his diploma approximately ten years ago from Senator Brewer at the Athol Junior High School as a member of the Class of 1944. He was a member of Our Lady Immaculate Church, and was a former member of the Franco-American Club. Mr. Roussel was a lifetime member of the Edward H. Phillips American Legion Post No. 102, also the Athol-Orange Lodge Of Elks #1837, and the Knights of Columbus. He was group leader of the squires for many years. He collected for his neighborhood Bishop's Fund Drive for 19 years. Mr. Roussel leaves his wife of 64 years, Irene (Frenette) Roussel of Athol; one daughter, Diane L. Newton and husband John of Athol; one son, Kent J. Roussel of Athol; his former daughter-in-law, Cynthia I. Flaxington; two sisters, Clara Mosco and Lorraine Warren, both of Athol; two grandchildren, Colby J. Roussel and Shelby J. Roussel, both of Athol; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Michael Dennis; also by his four brothers, Joseph Emile Roussel, Peter M. Roussel Jr., Roland Roussel, and Dr. Edmund "Tima" Roussel; and by his sister, Lydia Rindone. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol. Those attending the service are asked to go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery. At the request of Mr. Roussel, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Our Lady Immaculate Church Food Pantry, 192 School St., Athol, MA 01331 or to the Athol High School Scholarship Association, c/o Beverly Tarolli, Class of 1944 P.O. Box 338, Athol, MA 01331. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskefuneralhome.com. Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main Street, Athol, is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });