Obituary of Rene C. Provost

Col. Rene Camille Provost

Rene C. Provost, 79, of Leesburg, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday April 26th after a brief illness. He had resided in Florida for the past 15 years, but spent most of his life in Connecticut.  

Rene was born in Canterbury, CT to Joseph and Theresa (Mailloux) Provost.  He graduated from Killingly High School in 1956. Rene was a retired officer with a distinguished history of service in the Connecticut Army National Guard. He enlisted in the Guard in 1955 at the age of 17 and became an officer in 1960.  In 1962 he worked in the Corps of Engineers with the 250th Engineer Company in Danielson, and became the company commander of the 249th Engineer Company in Putnam three years later. He volunteered to serve in Vietnam in the Army’s 65th Engineer Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division from 1967-1968 and returned to the CT National Guard after the war. He was the Post Commander at the National Guard training camp in Niantic from 1969-1979. In 1981, he became commander of the 192nd Engineer Battalion, and later assumed command of the Troop Command Unit in New London. He retired with the rank of Colonel.

Rene loved golfing and fishing, and spending time with familyand friends. He was also an avid UConn women’s basketball fan and was a basketball referee in Connecticut for many years.    

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalind, as well as daughter and son-in-law Donna and Josh Krell, daughter Pamela Provost, and cherished grandson Aaron Krell. He is survived by a special brother-in-law Arthur “Bucky” Rickey and his wife Gerri. Rene is also survived by his sisters and brothers Paulette (Marvin) Sawyer, Paul (Rosalie) Provost, Jackie Walker, Joseph Provost, and Jeanne (David) Carpenter, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Pauline Peloquin and brother Richard Provost.  

Funeral will be Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11 am, with a calling hour from 10-11 am at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St, Danielson, CT, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Danielson. Donations may be made in his name to Disabled American Veterans 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Share a memory at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com