Cole Lupien

Cole Lupien passed away on June 16th, after a short illness surrounded by family. He was born in Winchendon, Massachusetts on 8/2/1958 to the late Joseph Lupien and Carol (Rajaniemi) Lupien. 

He is survived by his siblings: Joseph Lupien (Anne) of Alexandria, NH; Tracey Dev (Jay) of Princeton, NJ; Angela Whalen (Kevin) of Bedford NH; and sister-in-law, Renee Lupien of Winchendon.

 He is also survived by his nephews: Isaac Lupien, Dylan Lupien, Joseph Dev (Nicole), Matthew Dev, Sam Dev, and Zak Whalen (Olivia), his nieces: Kandice Whalen, Maya Dev, Carol Lupien, and Amy Lupien, He was affectionately known as Bruncle to his three grand nieces: Payton, Scarlett and Asher Whalen, His Aunt: Aline LaFalam, And many cousins including Jay Waz and Terry Lupien who he felt particularly close to. He is predeceased by his brothers: Dana Lupien and Keith Lupien.

 He graduated from Murdock High School in 1976 and attended Mount Wachusett community college with business administration as his major. 

Cole began his career as a production supervisor at Samson Ocean Systems. He then spent eight years sharing his leadership and organizational skills as a warehouse manager for SO MUCH FUN Inc. In 1993, he joined Chem Design, a division of the Bayer Corporation, as a technician. It was here, in 1995, that Cole survived a workplace explosion, an event that ultimately altered the course of his life.

 Cole will be remembered fondly for his wonderful, dry sense of humor. He possessed a rare talent for delivering quick quips and sly, astute observations that never failed to impress and entertain those around him. Even during his sickest days when he was in the most pain he could deliver a one liner that would elicit a belly laugh. Beyond his sharp mind, Cole was a deeply empathetic and kind individual. He was incredibly generous, always willing to give just about anything to anyone who asked. 

An avid gardener and the ultimate bargain hunter, Cole’s passion for finding hidden treasures began at the young age of 12. After a neighbor threw away a brass bed, Cole hauled it up to his attic and reassembled it. When the neighbor realized the mistake and came to claim it, 12-year-old Cole firmly but fairly refused to give it back because it had been thrown out. He did politely offer to sell it back to him. This legendary moment launched a lifelong love of dumpster diving and finding value that others had overlooked. One of Cole’s favorite things to do was to decorate for the holidays. For Cole, decorating for the holidays was never about the recognition; it was simply a labor of love. He poured his heart and soul into decorating, simply hoping to bring a little extra magic to friends and family. During years when he was decorating for Halloween and Christmas he would take down the Halloween decorations one day and the next day he would immediately start putting up Christmas decorations. On more than one occasion, a local photographer would capture his Halloween setups, preserving the joy he worked so hard to share." 

For the last thirteen years, Cole called the Monadnock Tenants Cooperative home. He dedicated much of that time to serving as a board member. Cole took immense pride in working for the greater good of his community, advocating for the collective neighborhood, but also willing to go out on a limb and take chances on people when he believed in someone.

 Cole’s neighborhood was far more than just a place to live, it was a community of true friends and chosen family. In his final days, this family showed up in ways we will never forget. We will forever cherish the memory of the endless parade of neighbors who stepped up without a second thought. When we were stuck at the hospital, you made sure Spice was walked, loved, and cared for. We remember the comfort of opening the door to a steady stream of homemade meals, cookies, brownies, and muffins. You brought joy to Cole with beautiful flowers, cozy quilts, and thoughtful treats and toys for Spice. 

It wasn't just the gifts, but the quiet, everyday acts of devotion that sustained us. You ran our errands, gave rides, and quietly took out the trash. Your constant check-ins and hands-on help carried us through our darkest hours. 

To everyone who poured their hearts into Cole and our family—you know who you are. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for turning your neighborhood into a sanctuary of love when he needed it most. Our family is deeply grateful to Home, Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services, throughout our journey from VNA to hospice, they never wavered in their support. They focused entirely on our needs which was a tremendous relief after navigating through the revenue focused environment of insurance companies and hospitals. The staff never shied away from difficult discussions, always guiding us with honesty, compassion, and true professionalism. Thank you Paula, Jackie, Sandy, Erica, Bobbie, Tina and Josh.

 Calling hours will be held 6-8 PM Tuesday June 23, 2026 at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street Winchendon, MA.  A  Mass will be held on Wednesday June 24, at 10AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we are asking that you do a random act of kindness for a stranger and think of him when you do it. We feel very blessed for all the support shown by family and friends. Thank you.