Syilva J. Cloutier

WINCHENDON - Syilva J. Cloutier, 83, of 427 Central Street, Winchendon, died peacefully Monday afternoon, March 30th, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in St. Elie D'Orford, Quebec, Canada on November 14,1925, son of the late Eugene and Elodia J. (Rouleau) Cloutier, came to Winchendon at the age of one and lived here for most of his life. Syilva quit school in the eleventh grade to enter the United States Navy. He proudly served as a Fireman First Class aboard the U.S. S. Eldorado, the main communication ship during the war. From the deck of the ship, he saw the raising of the United States flag at Iwo Jima. He was awarded the World War Two Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with two stars, American Theatre Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Syilva delivered oil for many years for the former Murray Oil Company. He later worked with his son at Bruce's Burner Service for four years until his retirement. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Frederick Wilder White Post 2158 VFW and Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion. Syilva enjoyed singing and was known as "The Singing Oilman." He leaves his wife of 58 years, Larise H. (Gauthier) Cloutier; three children, Gail L. Noel and her husband Mark of Baldwinville, Bruce W. Cloutier and his wife Debbie of Winchendon and Carla M. Breen and her husband Paul of Glade Hill, VA; one brother, Arthur. L. Cloutier of Keene, NH; four grandchildren, Crystal Brooks and her husband Adam of Winchendon, Stacy Matewsky and her husband Robert of Westminster, Joshua S. Breen and Jeremiah R. Breen, both of Glade Hill, VA; four great grandchildren, Adam Brooks, Rylee Brooks, Landon Matewsky and Liam Breen, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by four brothers, Napoleon Cloutier, Donat Cloutier, Gerard Cloutier and Elie Cloutier, as well as two sisters, Rose M. Hanks and Claire M. Bernard. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 3rd from the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Winchendon. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Thursday, April 2nd from 6 to 8 P.M. with a Legion Service at 7 P.M. www.snow-ladeau.com