Haverhill – Oscar J. Comeau, 92, husband of Therese (Gardner) Comeau passed peacefully on November 27, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Oscar was pre-deceased by Therese by only 20 days.
Born and raised in Haverhill, Oscar was the son of the late Desire J. and Zelma Comeau. He attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School and Haverhill Trade School. Stationed in Germany, he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged.
Oscar was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s and All Saints Church in Haverhill, where he served on the Finance Committee for many years. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, the Windham NH Lions Club, the Korean War Veterans Association, and a past president of the Franco-American Legion. He enjoyed volunteering at All Saints Parish Food Pantry, often mentoring younger volunteers. In his retirement, he loved creating jewelry designs, both silver-making and beading. No one left the house without a pair of earrings in hand and for many years he made and donated prayer beads to the young children at St. Joseph’s School.
In 1963, Oscar and his business partners purchased Westville Market in what was then Westville, NH. He put in the sweat equity and thrived on seeing his many happy customers visit the store each day. Each and every child who walked through the door was greeted with a lollipop. Always a jokester, he was known to many of his younger customers as Oscar the Grouch. He would keep a trashcan by the front door of the store, letting everyone know where he resided. He loved seeing the wide-eyed children who believed his story.
In 1965 Westville Supply Outlet was added to the business and in 1983 he purchased Indian Rock Hardware in Windham, NH where he again he prospered in the community. He was also part owner of Don’s Market in Hampstead where he often could be found behind the register even after his retirement.
Oscar worked hard in business and around his home. He was extremely knowledgeable about the hardware business and an avid tool collector. He cherished his grandfather’s antique shoe-making tool collection, adding to it over the years. He could often be seen on his tractor taking care of the yard and tending to his large vegetable garden for hours each spring and summer.
Oscar was a proud Acadian and cherished his many trips to Nova Scotia visiting family and friends as often as he could. He loved cooking his version of Pate a la Rapure on a Sunday afternoon – a traditional Acadian dish that takes many hours to make. He was a devoted family man, proud of his four children, playful with his grandchildren, and a loving husband above all. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Oscar is survived by his children, Geralyn M. Comeau, of Melrose; Stephen J. Comeau and his wife Suzanne of Franklin; David G. Comeau of Salem, NH; and Jeffrey A. Comeau of Manchester, NH; grandchildren Bree H. Comeau, Dayna M. (Comeau) Muse and her husband Joshua, and Devin J. Comeau. In addition to his loving wife Therese, he is predeceased by his sister Elaine M. Poulin and brothers Robert V. Comeau, and Rolf H. Comeau.
Oscar’s family would like to thank the staff at Brightview Senior Living in North Andover, Hospice Services of Massachusetts, and Penacook Place in Haverhill for their kindness and compassion in his final days.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Friday, December 3 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Saturday morning in the funeral home at 10:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hilldale Ave., Haverhill. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society, and All Saints Food Pantry, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01832. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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Sue Arel Culligan says
December 1, 2021 at 5:42 pmAs mentioned several weeks ago your parents were so special to us. They say you can’t choose your relatives but we did and couldn’t have chose a better Uncle & Aunt. So many fond memories of time well spent with them. I will always especially remember the laughs my Dad would share with Uncle Oscar. He was like a mischievous little kid again when they would get together and it was truly enjoyable to watch. I know he treasured his friendship with Uncle Oscar as did we all. What a fun man he was. I am so sorry for your loss but know you all take comfort in knowing that it was not “till death do us part” for them it was “together forever”! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Cynthia Angelicas Burner says
December 3, 2021 at 1:45 amWe rented our first apartment as a married couple from Oscar, upstairs from Westivlle Market, when my dad owned the store and my husband Wayne and I worked there too. He was an excellent landlord and friend. I will always remember Oscar as a man who was always interested in what I had say and was very smart and caring. Oscar was truly a great man and will not be forgotten
Tina Carter says
December 5, 2021 at 2:08 amOscar was a wonderful man with a heart bigger than most. He is in many of our memories growing up in Westville. Always a smile, a helping hand, and family first. He will be missed but never forgotten.