Southbridge: Joseph Yvon "Frenchie" Proulx, 82, of Hartwell St., passed away on Friday, May 20th, in his home, after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 59 years, Madeleine M. (Soucy) Proulx; his daughter, Michelle Proulx Healey of Southbridge; and several nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was born in St. Ours, Quebec, Canada, the son of Euclide and Yvonne (Larochelle) Proulx. He was a US Air Force Veteran of the Korean War era serving in the 38th Air Rescue Squad. He was a graduate of Worcester Junior College.

Yvon was a senior mold designer for various toy manufacturing companies, a job that had him travelling extensively around the world. He later worked for the American Optical Co. in Southbridge before retiring several years ago. He also worked part time for various tool and die companies in the Southbridge area. For several years he taught the art of tin piercing at Bay Path Regional High School. He was a member of the Franco-American Veterans in Southbridge and the Leonide J. Lemire post 6055 of the VFW in Southbridge. He was a long time member of the Optimist Club and chaired its committee for giving gifts to children in need. Yvon loved woodworking and was a great cabinet maker. He was also well known for being an avid Montreal Canadians fan.

A funeral Mass for Yvon will be held on Thursday, May 26th, at 10:00am in St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Rd. Ext., Charlton. Burial in New Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge, will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Rd. Ext., Charlton, MA 01507.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.