Edward J. Houle

Edward J. Houle, 81, beloved husband of 45 years of Florence Sylvia (Bassette) who predeceased him in 2002, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 26, at his home in Indian Orchard. Born on February 24, 1936, in Indian Orchard, MA, a son of Hubert and Doria (Daigneault) Houle, he was a lifelong resident of Indian Orchard. Edward was a maintenance mechanic from 1983-2002 at the former Westvaco Corporation in Springfield and prior to working there he was employed at Flexible Plastic Straw Corporation in Ludlow. Edward was an honest, hardworking and devoted man who had a big heart. He loved his family dearly as they loved him. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving children, Kurt Houle and his wife, Rachelle, and Cheryl Ricapito all of Indian Orchard, David Houle of Ludlow, Lynne Houle and Karen Lajoie and her husband, Michael all of Chicopee, Jay Houle and his wife, Dawn, of Ware, and Eric Houle and his wife, Carrie of Ludlow; sisters, Fabiola Gamache of Ludlow and Andrea Witherell of Springfield; sixteen adored grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Homer Houle and sister Florence Lambert. Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, March 2, for calling hours for Edward from 4-7 p.m. at Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., Indian Orchard. Edward's funeral service will be held on Friday, March 3, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at St. Aloysius Cemetery. For further information please visit www.ratellfuneralhome.com