Obituaries

Rene D. Rheault

April 15, 2020

Rene D. Rheault, 95 of Woodcrest Villa, went to his heavenly home on April 15, 2020 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Joseph Alfred and Marie Aimee (Ruel) Rheault. He was the loving and devoted husband of Lucille (Goguen) Rheault for 68 years until her passing in 2016.

After working 40 years as a Superintendent in Manufacturing, in 1981 Rene relocated from Bedford, Pennsylvania to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to assist his family in real estate development.

As a member of the National Ski Patrol, Lancaster Ski Club and the 90 Plus Ski Club, skiing brought Rene great joy throughout his life. He was instrumental in teaching his sons to become skiing athletes. Later in life he competed as a Senior in downhill racing in Nastar, winning a gold medal. At age 92, he took his final ski trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Rene was an avid golfer into his late eighties and continued to follow pro golfing until his passing. He was front and center as he and his friends followed the professionals from hole to hole at the 2015 Ladies US Open at the Lancaster Country Club. Rene was a member of the Woodcrest Wizards, a group of men who would compete in pocket billiards. It wasn’t uncommon for Rene and his friends to “clear all the balls off the table on their first time up”, they truly played like professionals. He enjoyed spending time with all of his friends at Woodcrest Villa. It was amazing how he could remember so many names. He also loved to travel. He would co-pilot an aircraft with his son all over the United States. From Maine to the Bahamas, to the west coast to ski. He covered it all.

At age 92 Rene was introduced to painting colorful abstract art. Painting became his new hobby. At age 94 he had his first art show which was held in the beautiful lobby of Woodcrest Villa. The art was vibrant and rich, featuring metallic paint and swirls of intense colors. The gallery was packed and people loved his work. Rene has donated his art to charity, and gifted to his nieces and nephews.

Rene will be greatly missed by his sons, Dr. Steven Rheault, of Lancaster, Gary Rheault, husband of Sherri of Mesa, Arizona; grandsons, Jason Rheault, of Mesa, Arizona, and Brian Rheault, husband of Dr. Katie Rheault, and their daughter Remi of Higley, Arizona; Dawn Groff, of Lancaster, who was like a daughter to him and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in passing by his loving wife Lucille; siblings, Florence Anctil, wife of Rosario “Rosey”, Leona Faucher, wife of Roland, Lorraine Gomber, wife of Henry, Paul Rheault, husband of Lillian, and Ferdnand “Stretch” Rheault, husband of Beatrice.

He was a member of Saint Leo the Great Church in Lancaster. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date due to the current pandemic. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Saint Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

Services have been entrusted to the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543

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Condolences to the Family

April 30, 2020

Dear Dr. Steve,Dawn, Jody Hodges here,  I just found out through my mother, Doris, that your father passed on April 15th. I want you both to know how great Rene and Lucille were to get to know at the Mennonite Home 5 years ago. I always said to Rene,  I wish my grandpa warren weaver was still here to meet you! They could of been twins in sooo many ways, fabulous personality, full of fantastic stories, more positive energy!,  then most of us in are 50/60’s. Smiling all the time, he oftentimes came to visit my grandma, as Lucille and her where roommates for a short time, Rene would always compliment on my grandma’s Snow White hair and leave her giggling:) We are very fortunate to have had parents/ Grandparents live out there lives as long as they did. I’ll always cherish fond memories, Blessings to you, and your family. With 💝 Jody H. 

April 27, 2020

Rene will always live on in my heart. As a caregiver I didn’t meet him till the end of his life but he inspired me so much. Rene always had a smile, an uplifting word, I enjoyed my time with him. He loved to travel around the world, ski with his son on his TV, he was technical savy which always impressed me.  Will miss him. 
Charlotte Burkholder

April 26, 2020

Steve, I am saddened at the passing of your Dad. I have warm memories of him and the several chats we used to have about his ski trips. You were blessed to have him for so many wonderful years. What an engaging, enthusiastic and friendly Dad you had! Hugs to you and everyone in your family.
John Backof

April 25, 2020

Steven, so sad about your Dad’s passing.  He was one of a kind.  I have so many good memories of him (and your Mother) when they lived in Fitchburg, and on the trips we took down to Pennsylvania. 
Your Dad was one of the kindest men I have ever known. 
I’m glad I had the chance to extend my sympathies in this format because, at my age, I can’t go out to buy a sympathy card because of the Pandemic. 
Alan Raymond

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