Robert Courchene-Roy, 55, of Bethel and previously of Newtown passed away on July 30, 2016 following a courageous battle with cancer. Robert passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Robert was born to Raymond and Noella Roy on February 22, 1961 in Worcester, MA, and was raised on a small family dairy farm in Westborough, MA. He was a graduate of Westborough High School Class of 1979, Babson College Class of 1983 where he studied Accounting, and Bentley University Class of 1990 where he received his MBA in Finance. He was a long time employee of Caldor, and Purdue Pharma Inc.

He was the beloved husband of Nora Pimentel Courchene-Roy. Robert was a devoted father to Matthew Couchene-Roy (Eldersburg, MD), Vanessa Courchene-Roy and Jay Collins (Las Vegas, NV), Jake Courchene-Roy (Newtown CT), and predeceased by Zackary Courchene-Roy (Bellingham, MA).

Robert will always be remembered by his brothers Richard Roy (Belchertown, MA), Ronald Roy (Milford, MA), and sisters Pauline Roy (Northboro, MA), and Claire Bell (N. Grafton, MA). Robert also leaves behind brother-in-law’s and sister-in-law’s, as well as nieces, nephews, friends and family who were blessed to have him as part of their lives.

Robert was a leader in his community and could frequently be found leading programs and volunteering his time. He joined Virgilius Council No. 185, Knights of Columbus in March of 2012. Became a Third Degree Knight in April of 2012 and was appointed by Supreme as the Council Financial Secretary in July of 2014, a position he was committed to up to his passing. His father has been a lifelong Knight as well. His son Jake, after serving as the Chief Squire of the Newtown’s Youth Division of the Knights, became a third generation Knight on June 27, 2016. In June of 2015 the Courchene-Roy family was presented the council’s “Family of the Year” award.

Robert touched the lives of many people and we are blessed to have learned many valuable lessons from Robert during his 55 years, among them: strength to face life’s challenges, love for life and others, un-wavered faith, and to seize every moment of every day with a smile on your face. Rob enjoyed sitting with Nora on the porch at the end of each day enjoying the simple beauty of the stars… ”And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. I shall be living on one of the stars and when I laugh at night, it will seem to you that all the stars are laughing. You will have stars that know how to laugh.”

Calling hours for friends and family will be on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 between 5:00 and 8:00 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St. Newtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 11:00 am at Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus Council 185, P.O. Box 777, Newtown, CT 06470

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