Robert J. Proulx

Robert J. Proulx, age 80, passed away peacefully Saturday night, May 8, at War Memorial Hospital. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, December 21, 1929, but lived most of his life in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. In 1950 he married Margaret Ferraro, and then served as U.S. Army Sergeant overseas during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, Bob was a licensed mechanic employed by Soo Machine & Auto, later Hollingsworth Auto, then the head of mechanical maintenance at Kincheloe Air Force Base, later Kinross Correctional Facility. Following his retirement, he continued to keep busy tinkering in his garage restoring antique tractors and cars. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, sailing, playing cards- and working on construction projects, but his pride and joy was his family. He and his wife always looked forward to the annual camping trip with their children and grandchildren, who often referred to him as the most intelligent man they knew and their constant source of information. Bob is survived by Margaret, his very loving and devoted wife of almost 60 years, their three sons, Robert (Suzanne) of Lake Zurich, Illinois, John (Bev) of Dafter, Michigan and Daryl of Dafter, Michigan, their three daughters, Debra (Tom) Savoie of Cassopolis, Michigan, Nan (Carl) Giacomino of Harwood Heights, Illinois and Diane (Jeff ) Chancey of St. Joseph, Michigan, He also had 19 grandchildren: Jackie (Eric) Block, Jessica (Glenn) Leonardo, Justin (Esther) Proulx, Matt Proulx, Tyler Proulx, Ashley Proulx, Lance Barrett, Michael Barrett, Christine Maleport, Nicole Maleport, Christopher Chancey, Sarah Chancey, Melissa Chancey, Mallory Gimpel, Mackenzie Gimpel, Brian (Katie) Savoie, Brandon (Rachel) Savoie, Robby Savoie and Brandon Giacomino, and three great-grandchildren, Kiley Block, Carter Block and Elise Proulx. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Michael John (Glenda) Ferraro and sister-in-law, Minnie Ferraro, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Florence Proulx, an infant son, Robert Jr., three brothers - Eugene, Alvin and Fred. Visitation will begin at 11a.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m, with Father Pawl Mecwel as Celebrant and Deacon Bill Piche, Final resting place will be Riverside Cemetery. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church or Hospice of the E.U.P. The family expresses their sincere appreciation to all those who tenderly helped care for Bob during his final days; War Memorial Hospital 2"d floor staff, Dietary staff, Respiratory Therapy, Dr. Ockenfels, Dr. Rechner, Dr. Abou Daya, Great Lakes Home Health, E.U.P. Hospice, Fr, Piotr and Fr. Sebastian.

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Robert J. Proulx

December 21, 1929 - May 8, 2010