Lucien (Lou) J. Paquette II

Lucien (Lou) Joseph Paquette II,  82, of Westfield passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2019 at home with his loving wife and family by his side.  Born June 14, 1937 in Chester to Lucien J. Paquette I and Elizabeth (Carrington), he grew up in Southampton before settling in Westfield. 

Growing up the middle child, Lou was the brother of Robert and Eileen (Couture). They were siblings that any parent hopes their children will be- close. Robert and Lou shared the love of being their own boss (and cash), owning several successful local businesses together including a coffee shop, R & L Catering, and the Redwood Restaurant.  They  both tormented (like big brothers do) and protected their little sister, Eileen. Visiting Lou every day, Eileen retold childhood stories to Big Brother, talked about their shared interest in playing cards, and brought jelly sticks, making him smile and laugh in his final days. 

In 1982, Lou bought a brand new pair of Hush Puppies sneakers to ‘chase’ the love of his life, Sheila. (Spoiler alert: he caught her!) She fell in love with this good honest man. An old school gentleman, who literally swept her off her feet with his ballroom dancing style, they married in 1986. They loved and respected each other just as they were. Together, they built a life they loved. Supporting Lou’s entrepreneurial ways, they owned and operated Lou’s Construction and Lou’s Fuel Service. True blue to his family and business, he always made it a priority to go somewhere special and spend time together for their anniversary. Upon their retirement in 2005, they continued to enjoy watching the (trotter) horse racing in Hinsdale or New Jersey, driving cross country visiting the National Parks, and spending time with family.  On any normal day, you could usually find Lou reading his paper in the yard and then working on his tractors getting ready to do another project (Sheila may or may not have asked for) at the home he built, unaware of all of the memories she was capturing with her camera. 

A brave, strong man, Lou was a devoted father and hero to his two sons, Lou & Rich, and three daughters, Gail, Sarah & Mandy. A mentor, Mr. Fix-It, advisor, role model, and cheerleader, he was everything to his children. With unconditional love he listened and supported all of their endeavors. Lou patiently guided each of them through their lives with encouragement and a gentle way. He was proud of all of his children, their families and their accomplishments.

A soon as Lou’s grandchildren were able to sit upright, you would find him proudly sitting them on his tractors and heavy machinery for photos. But, also a shining example of having a good work ethic, as soon as they could walk and talk, you’d find him putting them to work. He appreciated and enjoyed spending time with them stacking wood, washing the trucks, and rebuilding car motors.  A disciplined man, he had a soft spot for his grandchildren. Cheering them on at sporting events, school concerts and celebrating birthdays, he was proud of his five grandsons, Adam, Alex, Andrew, Brandon & Kyle and four granddaughters, Monique, Roxanne, Kristin & Heather. 

‘I’ll treat you right!’ wasn’t only on his business cards, it was the way he lived his life. Lou had a great sense of humor, was fair, and got along with everyone he met. Friends became family and he would go out of his way to lend a helping hand. You could find Lou for breakfast and most Friday evenings having pizza with these great friends at ‘Café’ (Santorini Pizzeria & Restaurant).

He will be greatly missed by everyone who’s life he touched. 

Predeceased by his parents and son Richard Paquette, he is survived by his wife, Sheila, his son Lou Paquette III and his wife Judy, his daughter Gail Paquette and her fiancé Steve Laflamme, his daughter Sarah MacKay and her long-time boyfriend Kyle Camyre, and his daughter Mandy (MacKay) Hess and her husband Scott. Lou is also survived by his 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren,  his brother Robert Paquette and his wife Sally, his sister Eileen Couture and her husband Robert, many nieces and nephews, and longtime friends Ron, George, Jim, and Steve. 

Calling hours for Lou will be Monday, October 21, 2019 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM at Westfield Funeral Home and Cremation, 4 Princeton Street in Westfield.  A private burial will take place at Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

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