Rene Philip Dusseault

CONCORD - Rene Philip Dusseault, 90, passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2022, after a period of declining health. Rene was born on March 15, 1932, to the late Gustave and Laura (Beaudoin) Dusseault of Manchester. Rene was the loving Husband of Carol (Patterson) Dusseault, with whom he enjoyed 57 years of marriage prior to her death on May 19, 2022.

Rene came from a large family and grew up in Manchester with his 10 brothers and sisters, including his fraternal twin, Charles “Charlie” Dusseault. After attending Manchester schools, Rene felt called to serve God and at 19 began his monastic journey in Canada, living several years at multiple Franciscan monasteries within Quebec Province. Rene left monastic life and returned to NH after his father’s death and before taking final vows. Rene spent several years living with his widowed mother and was working at Waumbec Mill when he met his wife Carol on a blind date, set up by a coworker. Rene and Carol married in 1965, had three daughters, and in 1972 moved into a custom-built home in East Concord, where they comfortably spent the remainder of their lives.

Rene loved both tv and movies and was known for his impressive appetite and great love of food, especially sweets. His love of eating was especially evident at family gatherings and by the large paper grocery bag lunches he took to work. Rene enjoyed playing cards, cribbage at home and penny poker with his siblings, winning so often he was regularly teased about cheating. Rene possessed the ability to be heard above all others in a crowded room, an especially impressive feat in a room filled with his siblings. Above all, Rene was known for taking his responsibilities seriously, following rules and schedules, and his willingness to work hard in support of family.

For much of his life, Rene held two or more jobs and amongst other roles, spent time working in the mills of Manchester and Suncook, at Sanders in a job requiring clearance, self-employed as a house painter, and co-owner/operator of a cleaning and painting business with his wife. Rene eventually retired from Merrimack County in his early 70’s, after working for more than 25 years as a security guard at the Merrimack County Nursing Home.

After retirement, a series of falls led to Rene’s confinement to a wheelchair, ending his ability to easily leave home or do any traveling. Along with the daily care provided by his wife, Granite VNA provided Rene with many years of excellent in-home nursing and health care. The years VNA staff treated and monitored his chronic conditions, coupled with the months of services provided by Bayada Hospice, allowed Rene to remain at home until his passing.

Rene is survived by three daughters, Ronda Dusseault and husband Chad Pasch of Leesburg, VA, Deena Dusseault of Leesburg, VA, Paula Hendrick and husband Jonathan of Concord; grandsons Ethan Hendrick of Farmingville, NY and Jarrett Dusseault of Leesburg, VA; sister Theresa Giovanelli of Virginia; two brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Carol, Rene was predeceased by siblings Louis Dusseault, Marie Rose Belanger, Rita Lavalliere, Gertrude Lavalliere, Ernest Dusseault, Charles Dusseault, Jeanne Biron, George Dusseault, and Lucille Montminy.

SERVICES: Visitation will be held from 10-11AM on Friday, October 21, to be followed by a Catholic Funeral Service, 11AM, at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street in Manchester. A graveside committal service will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Manchester. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend. The family will be hosting an open house from 2:00pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 36 Sanborn Road in Concord. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Rene P. Dusseault to Habitat for Humanity.  To view Rene’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.