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PUTNAM — Rene L. Ferland Sr., 84, of Richmond Rd. died Sep, 2020, at home, after a battle with dementia.
He was the husband of Helen (Zurowski) Ferland, who he married on Feb. 4, 1961. Born Oct. 7, 1936, in Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Dorrillez and Orianna (Desautels) Ferland.
Rene was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and he had the privilege of playing first base on the Air Force’s baseball team. He was employed by and retired from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Rene was an avid sports fan and could always be seen rooting for his favorite New England teams: the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and of course the UConn women’s basketball team.
Rene’s family describes him as a kind, sincere and peaceful man whom children were naturally drawn to. It also appeared that nature loved Rene as much as he loved nature. He spent hours sitting out behind his house on the wood line and the chipmunks would come and sit by him and chirp. Years ago, he was able to train a wild red-winged blackbird to eat right out of his hand. For several years, the bird returned to be fed by Rene.
In addition to his wife Helen, he leaves his two daughters; Dianne Engle of Putnam and Donna Manzaro (Frank) of Dudley; six grandchildren; Ryan Robbins and his partner Michelle, Jonathan Ferland (Jennifer), Holly Jae Adams (Justin), Sarah Freundschud (Tim), Gina Duval (Jared), Tricia Manzaro, and 13 great-grandchildren. Rene was predeceased by his son Rene Ferland Jr. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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