Charlton / Southbridge: Russell W. Cournoyer, Sr., 91, formerly of Southbridge, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 11 ^th , in the Overlook Masonic Healthcare Center, Charlton, after an illness.

He leaves his beloved wife of 69 years, Anita M. (Bozzo) Cournoyer; his three sons, Russell W. Cournoyer, Jr. and his fiancé Erica Spizzirri of Webster, Wilfrid B. Cournoyer and his wife Denise of Webster and Paul A. Cournoyer and his wife Kathleen of Webster; his sister, Jean Bennett of Florida; his four grandchildren, Patricia Cournoyer of Charlton, Elizabeth Cournoyer and her fiancé Artur Lachcik of Boston, Ryan Cournoyer and his wife Janine of Burlington, VT and Kaley Cournoyer of Charleston, SC; and nieces and nephews.  He was born in Southbridge the son of Wilfred and Yvette (Frappier) Cournoyer.  Russ was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War.

Russ owned and operated Russell W. Cournoyer Distributor of Polar Beverages for 22 years and later Russell W. Cournoyer Distributor of Very Fine Juices for 10 years, retiring many years ago.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Southbridge Credit Union for over 40 years.  He was also a member of the Southbridge Lions Club for over 50 years. He was a long time member of St. Mary's / St. John Paul II Parish in Southbridge and in recent years he became a member of St. Joseph's Church in Charlton.  Russ was a very generous person and was especially giving with his time to serve others.  Above all he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 ^th , from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Rd. Ext., Charlton.  Burial will be in New Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge.  A calling hour in the funeral home will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 ^th , from 8:30 to 9:30am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or online at www.alz.org .