Joseph R. (Rene) Fugere, 88, of Pawtucket, passed away Tuesday December 13, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn (McArdle) Fugere. Joseph was the son of the late Philias and Beatrice (Picard) Fugere.

Upon exiting the US Coast Guard, Rene worked in the construction industry beginning as an apprentice carpenter with Ferland Builders. Eventually venturing into the home building industry, he owned and ran his own business as a small general contractor with great passion for building new homes. Upon the completion of his career with Hodess Builders as a superintendent overseeing many building projects throughout New England, he  retired in 1996.

He is survived by his loving children: David Fugere and his wife Debbie, Michelle Vincent and her husband Roland, Stephen Fugere and his wife Felecia, Renee Hadfield, and Lisa Neill and her husband David.

Rene also leaves fourteen grandchildren: Adam Fugere, Bethany Point, Katie  Kearns, Rachel Hanewich, Benjamin Vincent, Jacob Vincent, Jessica Lemay, Amanda Golderisi, Courtney Page, Cameron Hadfield, Lindsay Hadfield, Alyssa Troob, Nicholas Neill, and Zachary Neill. He was the great grandfather to 17 great grandchildren. Joseph Rene was predeceased by seventeen siblings.

Rene truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; spending time with his family, conversations with friends and family, and fishing with his grandchildren. Family gatherings were always his favorite. Rene loved his family fiercely. He adored his wife of 67 years.They loved watching the Red Sox and the Patriots games together. His gentle and kind heart would warm an entire room. Although a quiet man, his words of love and encouragement were always strong and steady. He was a kind, humble and peaceful man. He was a faithful man who always instilled a spirit of optimism in our family. He was proud of us all and would freely express that with love.  His bright smile was infectious. Rene always approached life situations with joy and humor. He loved sharing stories of his lifetime experiences with his children. Living life with optimism will be his legacy. He was a beacon of love. He will be missed tremendously by all who had the privilege of being touched by him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian burial Wednesday, December 21 st at 10:00 AM at Saint Teresa's Church, 358 Newport Ave, Pawtucket, RI. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, December 20 th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in the Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, RI.

The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory, may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital , 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, would be greatly appreciated.