Reginald A. Cousineau

Brasher Falls – Reginald C. Cousineau, 79, passed away unexpectedly May 8, 2013 at Canton – Potsdam Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted with the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Reginald was born on August 31, 1933 in Massena, son of the late Armos and Yvonne (Barnes) Cousineau. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1952 then attended Lemoyne College. He went to work for Loblaw’s in 1955. On August 24, 1963, he married the love of his life, Sharon A. Martin at St. Andrew’s Church in Norwood. They were devoted to each other and shared a blessed union of 49 years. While raising a family and working, he attended SUNY at Potsdam from 1966 – 1969 to finish with a Bachelor Degree in Education. Reginald started his teaching career at St. Lawrence Central School after graduation, teaching 5th Grade, 6th Grade Social Studies and Remedial Math; retiring in 1993. He was a teacher who knew patience and followed through with his students. He loved to teach and continued on after retirement as a substitute teacher. He was a communicant of St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls and a sacristan, who loved his church and had a deep spiritual connection to God; a 4th Degree Knight and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 2176 in Brasher Falls, where he served as Treasurer; and was a member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association. Reginald radiated a passion for life and a spirit of generosity that showed with his interactions with others, whom he always thought of first. He was a family man devoted to his wife; children and grandchildren, always concerned for their well being and supporting their endeavors. Never one to sit still; he enjoyed yard work, house work and spending time in the work shop. Reggie will be remembered as a “one in a million” family man who appreciated friendships and loved people. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children: Maria and Michael Case of Pierrepont, Melanie and Phil Bartlett of Hopkinton, MA, Shawn Cousineau of Winchendon, MA, and Peter Cousineau of Whiting, VT, his grandchildren: Ian Case of Amherst, MA, Mackenzie Case of Pierrepont, Luke Bartlett and Abby Bartlett, both of Hopkinton, MA and two sisters: Georgette Gates of Castile, and Sandra Trask of Syracuse. Visitation will be held Saturday from 6 to 8 pm and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Reginald’s Celebration of Life and Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10 am at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls. Interment will be Tuesday at 2 pm at Visitation Cemetery in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers; those wishing to express an act of kindness in Reggie’s honor, please consider donations in his memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., 6805 U S Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and condolences can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.