Louis Prunier

OXFORD -- Louis Prunier, 91, of Oxford passed away November 4, 2011 after a 26-year struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Oxford and graduated from Charlton High School and Cole Trade School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Clark University. Louis served as a lieutenant in the United States Army Transportation Corps during WW2. He was employed by the American Optical Company in Southbridge as a mechanical engineer for 32 years and was awarded several patents for optical equipment. He was a caring, gentle person whose first love was his wife, Olive, and his family. He appreciated nature, the outdoors, fishing, and particularly enjoyed hunting with his brothers. Louis was an accomplished farmer who was known for his blueberries and grapes. He also was an excellent cook and made great homemade root beer. Louis and his family also enjoyed many camping trips together. He and Olive traveled throughout the United States and Europe. He served as the Oxford representative for the planning of Bay Path Vocational School. He was also a Cub Scout leader and 4-H leader. Louis belonged to St. Roch Church where he sang in the choir and with Olive participated in the Christian Family Group. He belonged to the International Center of Worcester, hosted many foreign students in his home and made lasting friendships with people from many countries. He leaves his wife of 68 years, Olive Brousseau Prunier, and their children, Mary-Louise Eggimann and her husband, Wilhelm of Worcester, Michelle Wittstein and her husband, Andrew of Coventry, CT, Martha Jean of Haverhill, Thomas Prunier and his wife, Vivian of Westminster, VT, Chris Wings and her wife, Su Hoyle of Wendell, John Prunier of Warren, Miles Prunier and his wife, Marie Mongeau of Putnam, CT, and Jessie T. Stepanian of Methuen. He is survived by grandchildren Mollie Wittstein Brozowski, Jeanette and Max Wittstein, Erin Germanowski Tyler, Lisa Germanowski Manni, Ben Germanowski, Sarah Prunier Law, Rachel and James Prunier, Antavis Wings Geoffroy, Morgan Hoyle-Combs, Eleanor and Leslie Prunier, and Samuel and Caleb Stepanian. Louis is also survived by great-grandchildren Lillian Tyler, Isaac Brozowski, and Nathanial Law. He is survived by his brother Harris Prunier and sister Agnes Prunier Bachand. Louis was predeceased by a newborn son Patrick David, his parents, David and Angelina Prunier, brothers Edward and David Prunier and sisters, Angelina and Eva Prunier. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, November 9 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oxford. A memorial mass will be held Thursday, November 10 at 12 noon at St. Roch Church, 332 Main Street, Oxford. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Louis may be made to UMass Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln Street, Worcester 01605.