Joseph Rene Robichaud

Rene Robichaud, age 81, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, after a short illness, surrounded by the family he loved so much.

Rene came into the world in New Brunswick, Canada, on August 30, 1945, to Yvon and Béatrice Robichaud (née Comeau). He grew up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where he took on the role of being the proud oldest brother to his eight siblings. Even though Massachusetts was home, Canada always held a special place in his heart. He headed back there for college and never missed a chance to pack up and head north, to spend time with family and jam to some good old country tunes with cousins in Kent Junction!

When duty called, Rene stepped up and was deployed in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. He was a brave combat veteran who brought home two Purple Hearts and other high commendations for his service. For the rest of his life, he carried a heavy heart for his very dear childhood friend, Tommy, who served right alongside him and made the ultimate sacrifice. Tommy was never far from his thoughts.

Through it all, he loved talking about his days stationed out at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. That’s where he met and formed a close friendship with Selby Coffeen, a legendary sound engineer, and had the privilege of meeting some of the biggest names in country music at the time.

Rene was a natural-born storyteller and loved music, writing many poems and songs over the years. He put his military experiences to paper by authoring and publishing 365 and a Wake-up so his story would never be forgotten. He even got to see his tune "Lock and Key" hit the airwaves and climb right up the charts.

Around town, he was a cherished coach who always gave his all to the local kids. But out of everything Rene did, family was where his heart truly belonged. If you wanted to see his face totally light up, all you had to do was put a child in the room. He absolutely adored playing music for the little ones.

He leaves behind a huge piece of his heart with his kids: Kenny (Cindy) Robichaud, Francine “Princess” (Eugene) McGrath, Amy Kittredge, Kelly Bedard, Justin (Kate) Robichaud, and Dennis (Alyssa) Robichaud. He’s also survived by his brothers and sisters: Muriel (Emery) Leger, Diane (Duane) Lashua, Clarence (Anise) Robichaud, Rosemary (Roger) Richard, Yvon Jr. (Suzanne) Robichaud, and Ronald (Cathy) Robichaud, along with a whole crew of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.

Waiting for him on the other side are his parents, Yvon and Béatrice; his siblings, Jeannette and Donald; his grandson, Austin; and his nieces, Bonnie and Nancy.

Just like he wanted, there will be no formal wake and funeral. Instead, you are welcome to join us for a celebration of life on October 10th, from 1-4pm, at the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon, MA.

After watching his granddaughter, Juliet, endure childhood cancer treatment, and seeing all that she and her family faced through their journey, he would be thrilled that in lieu of flowers, we can honor his memory by making a donation to One Mission (bit.ly/inmemoryofrene), a charity that helps bring comfort, joy, and support to local children with cancer and their families when they need it most.

When asked recently what he wanted his legacy to be, Rene shared a truth that his family will carry forever: "He loved his children above everything on earth. He left them his mother's heart."

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home is assisting with arrangments.