Joseph Eugene Millette Jr. (Gene)

Joseph Eugene Millette Jr. (Gene) of Willimantic, Connecticut, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018, after 90 years of devotion to his family, serving others, and taking the time to kid around. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Born to Isabelle Pepin and Joseph Eugene Millette Sr. on April 2, 1928, Gene lived in Willimantic his entire life. Growing up, he could always be found with his twin brother, Arthur. Gene and Arthur even joined the U.S. Navy together and served during World War II.

Gene was a very devoted Catholic, and served his church, St. Mary's of Willimantic, from an early age as an altar boy through his later years as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He retired at age 55 from Pratt & Whitney where he worked as an electrician. In retirement, Joseph worked at Champagne Auto for many years, and mostly loved playing golf or mountain skiing with his family and friends. He married Jeanette Touchette on April 18, 1949, and had six children.

Although faced with relentless health challenges, Gene approached them all with courage, resolve, and enough humor to keep those around him laughing. The family is especially grateful for the care and friendship provided by his caregiver Mavis Lopez during the final months of his illness.  Not only did she lovingly care for “Mr. Joseph,” she provided love and support to the entire family.  She was his buddy and, as he often said, his angel.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette; children, Robert E. Millette, Carol A. Millette (husband Laurence Druckenbrod), Patricia A. Evans (husband Donald Evans), and John P. Millette (wife Liz); son-in-law, Manual Diaz; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister, M. Alma Duseault.  He is previously deceased by his daughters, Jane Millette Diaz and Donna Millette Fridge; his brothers, Arthur F. and Rev. Philippe E. Millette and a sister Theresa Millette.  Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, they will remember him best for his fighting spirit, his sense of humor, his dedication to the people that he loved, and the joy he took in spending time with them.

The family will receive guests on Sunday April 29, 2018, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, April 30 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 46 Valley St., Willimantic, CT. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Willimantic, CT

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made “In Memory of Joseph Eugene Millette” to the Donna Millette Fridge Scholarship funded through the UConn School of Social Work. Please include “Donna Millette Fridge Scholarship, #21783” on the check and mail to The UConn Foundation, Inc., 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269. 

Donations may also be made at:  https://uconn.givecorps.com/projects?utf8=%E2%9C%93&cat=&search_string=21783+Donna_Millette-Fridge_Scholarship. 

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