ATTLEBORO - Jean Henri Joyal, 72, of South Main Street, Attleboro, died unexpectedly after being stricken ill on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 upon arrival at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the husband of the late Anita Louise (Proulx) Joyal, to whom he was married on Sept. 28, 1963 and who died on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008.
Born in Lawrence on July 3, 1936, he was a son of the late Armand and Ernestine (Brouillard) Joyal. In his infancy, he and his family moved from Lawrence to Pawtucket, where he lived for many years prior to moving to Attleboro in 1963.
He was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Central Falls, R.I.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and later served in the Army National Guard.
As a painting contractor, Mr. Joyal was the owner and operator of the former Jean H. Joyal Contracting Company in Attleboro for 38 years prior to his retirement in 1995.
Mr. Joyal was a faithful communicant of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church in the Dodgeville section of the City of Attleboro.
He was a former member of the St. John Council No. 404 of the Knights of Columbus in Attleboro where he was the former grand knight.
Mr. Joyal enjoyed gardening and woodworking but most of all treasured the time spent with his cherished family.
He leaves five children: Jacqueline M. O'Brien of Attleboro, Jean A. Joyal of Plainville, Peter D. Joyal of Rehoboth, Christopher J. Joyal of Attleboro and Suzanne M. Candelet of Attleboro Falls; nine grandchildren; his siblings: Mariette Bruneau of Attleboro, Albert Joyal of Westbrook, Conn., Vivian Lejeune of Succasunna, N.J., Helene Geoffroy of Pawtucket, Colette Robichaud of Pawtucket, and Anne Brunelle of Pawtucket, and numerous nieces, nephews and several extended family members.
He was the grandfather of the late Karleigh Joyal, who died in 2000, and was the brother of the late Rita Sherlock, Pauline Barrette and Armand Joyal.
Visitation has been respectfully omitted.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 683 South Main Street - Route 152, Attleboro, with the Rev. James Morse, pastor, officiating.
Burial will be private.
Following services, an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Visiting Nurse Association, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.
To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an online register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, 508-695-0200.
Originally posted in the Attleboro Sun Chronicle
