Ranie P. Helie

WINCHENDON - Ranie P. Helie, 83, of 16 Cedar Terrace, Winchendon, died Monday, July 3rd in the Holden Nursing Home, Holden after an illness. He was born in Winchendon on October 2,1922, the son of Arthur P. Helie and Melina B. (St. Laurent) Helie Blondin, and was a lifelong resident of Winchendon. Ranie was a clerk at the Winchendon Post Office for 29 years until his retirement at the age of 62 in 1984. He was a veteran of World War Two, serving in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. He was a Tech 4, serving in the 106th Division 590th Field Artillery. Ranie took part in the Battle of the Bulge and was a Prisoner of War for five months, held at the Badorb Slate Mine Prison Camp and was then transferred to Stalig 9A Prison Camp in Zeiginheim, Germany. He was liberated on Good Friday in 1944. Ranie was awarded three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He was a life member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion and the Lt. Frederick Wilder White Post 2158 V.F.W. He was a communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and a member of the Winchendon Country Club. An avid golfer, he played until the age of 80. In 1957, he beat one of the state's finest golfers, Chick Occhialini, to become the club champion. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons. His wife of 62 years, Dorothy M. (Travaglini) Helie, died in 2004. He leaves a son, Rene P. Helie, Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, of Rutland; a sister, Geraldine Raymond, of St. Augustine, FL.; two grandson, Marcus G. Helie and Austin R. Helie, as well as nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by three sisters, Lorretta Helie, Rena Sampson and Estelle Meany, and a brother, Joseph Helie. The funeral will be held Saturday, July 8th from the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street. Burial, with military honors, will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Friday, July 7th from 6 to 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Restoration Fund, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon, MA. 01475. www.snow-ladeau.com