Robert Courchene-Roy, 55, of Bethel and previously of Newtown, died on July 30, following a courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully with his family by his side.

Mr Courchene-Roy was born to Noella and Raymond Roy on February 22, 1961, in Worcester, Mass., and was raised on a small family dairy farm in Westborough, Mass. He was a graduate of Westborough High School Class of 1979, Babson College Class of 1983 (where he studied accounting), and Bentley University Class of 1990 (where he received his MBA in finance). He was a longtime employee of Caldor and Purdue Pharma Inc.

He was the beloved husband of Nora Pimentel Courchene-Roy. Mr Courchene-Roy was a devoted father to Jake Courchene-Roy of Newtown; Matthew Courchene-Roy of Eldersburg, Md.; and Vanessa Courchene-Roy and Jay Collins of Las Vegas, Nev.

Zackary Courchene-Roy, of Bellingham, Mass., predeceased him.

Northborough, Mass., and Claire Bell of North Grafton, Mass. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, as well as nieces, nephews, friends, and family who were blessed to have him as part of their lives.

Mr Courchene-Roy will always be remembered by his brothers Richard Roy of Belchertown, Mass., and Ronald Roy of Milford, Mass. and sisters Pauline Roy of

Mr Courchene-Roy was a leader in his community and could frequently be found leading programs and volunteering his time. He joined Virgilius Council No. 185, Knights of Columbus in March of 2012. He became a Third Degree Knight in April 2012 and was appointed as the council financial secretary in July 2014, a position he was committed to up to his passing. His father has been a lifelong Knight as well. His son Jake, after serving as the Chief Squire of the Newtown's Youth Division of the Knights, became a third generation Knight on June 27, 2016. In June 2015 the Courchene-Roy family was presented the council's "Family of the Year" award.

He touched the lives of many people and his family loved one say they are blessed to have learned many valuable lessons from him during his 55 years, among them: strength to face life's challenges, love for life and others, unwavered faith, and to seize every moment of every day with a smile on your face.

Mr Courchene-Roy enjoyed sitting with Nora on the porch at the end of each day enjoying the simple beauty of the stars… "And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. I shall be living on one of the stars and when I laugh at night, it will seem to you that all the stars are laughing. You will have stars that know how to laugh."

Calling hours for friends and family will be on August 3 between 5 and 8 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 4 at 11 am at St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus Council No. 185, PO Box 777, Newtown CT 06470.