Maurice E. Rocheleau

Maurice E. Rocheleau, 94, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family, following a period of declining health. With his earthly journey complete, Maurice was welcomed into eternal life in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on February 10, 1932, in Winchendon, Maurice was the son of the late Maximin S. and Coranna M. (Hardy) Rocheleau. One of ten children, he was raised in a large family and learned early the values of hard work, loyalty, and caring for one another—principles that would guide him throughout his life.

Maurice attended Murdock High School in Winchendon before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served from July 1952 to January 1955, during the Korean War, and was also stationed in Japan. Attaining the rank of Corporal, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, carrying with him throughout his life the strength, determination, and sense of duty that defined his generation.

Upon returning home from military service, he married the love of his life, Shirley A. Florence, on July 9, 1955. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion and family, sharing more than 71 wonderful years of marriage. A steadfast and hardworking man, Maurice spent many years as a machine operator, as well as a skilled furniture maker at Eustis Chair in Ashburnham before retiring in 1995. Outside of work, he cherished weekends spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found happiness in life's simple pleasures like woodworking, cultivating his garden, snowmobiling, attending horse races, cheering on his beloved New England sports teams, and enjoying a good whiskey every now and then.

Maurice was a man of quiet strength, steadfast character, and a generous heart. A stubborn Marine through and through, beneath his strong-willed exterior was a soft-hearted man whose devotion to his family knew no bounds. He gave freely of his talents and time, never hesitating to help someone in need, expecting nothing in return.

Maurice is survived by his wife Shirley, his children, Maurice S. Rocheleau of Gardner, and Anna M. Tavares and her husband, James, of Winchendon, his grandchildren Nicole M. (Tavares) Martin and her husband, Todd, of Winchendon, Garrett Cross of Winchendon, Rebekah L. (Tavares) Leonard and her husband, George Leonard IV of Rindge, NH and Cory Rocheleau of Rindge, NH, his great grandchildren Stephanie Agnelli and her fiancée Austin Marcy, Ashley (Agnelli) Stinehart and her husband Nicholas all of Winchendon and Benjamin Leonard of Rindge, NH. Maurice is also survived by his brother, George

Rocheleau of Winchendon, and his sister, Theresa Thurlow of Gardner, MA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Roland, Arthur, Joseph, and Alfred Rocheleau, and his sisters, Anna Cormier, Rita Elola, and Cecile May.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, the love Maurice gave so freely, the lessons he taught through his example, and the memories made throughout his 94 years will remain a lasting gift to all who knew him. His was a life well lived, marked not by grand gestures, but by faithfulness, hard work, kindness, and enduring love for his family. We take comfort in knowing that his earthly struggles have ended, that he now rests in the peace of God's eternal embrace, and that the love he leaves behind will continue to live on through the generations.

He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

— Psalm 91:1

In keeping with the family's wishes, a private service and burial with military honors will take place at a later date at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA.