Rene “Tuna” R. Tourigny, 77, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Greenbriar Nursing Home after a hard fought and courageous battle to the very end, with complete dignity, as he endured Alzheimer’s vicious disease. One of his favorite sayings was, “watch me.” He lived his life on his own terms. He is the beloved husband of Pauline R. (Ricard) Tourigny with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.
Rene was born in Nashua on May 15, 1943, and was the son of the late Roland and Emma (Bergeron) Tourigny.
For many years, Rene was employed as an automotive salesman for Winward Petroleum until his retirement.
Rene loved his cars and was fortunate enough to have enjoyed them over his lifetime. He did not discriminate; from classic cars, street rods, muscle cards to the #8 350 super modified racing car which was driven by his son, Kevin. He truly treasured that time; he lived his life dreams through his son’s successful racing career.
In addition to his wife, Pauline, he is survived by his son Kevin Tourigny and his wife Duy of Nashua; his sister, Jackie Mcgowan and her husband Jack of Fort Meyers, Florida; his sister Greta Fox of Nashua; his brother-in-law, Meddy Ricard and his wife Linda of Merrimack; brother-in-law, Paul Ricard and his wife Linda of Nashua; his special cousin Sandy Bogdan and her husband Steve of New Ipswich, NH, as well as several nieces and nephews from NH, Maine, Massachusetts, Georgia, and Florida.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Denise Tourigny as well as his brother-in-law Brian Fox.
Rene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff the Greenbriar Nursing Care for their care, compassion, and support they provided Rene, particularly in his last days along with the help of Home, Health, and Hospice.
Also, a special thank you to his “A Team”, his cousin Bruno Bergeron for his many Sunday visits; Dr. Donald McDonough for his help and support in reaching out to Rene’s family during the past several weeks. Finally, thank you to everyone who has been present with us during this difficult long journey and our long goodbye. Also, thank you to Rochette Funeral Home for their empathy, care, and help through this process.
Until we meet again…
At the request of Rene’s family, all services will be private. He will be interred in St. Louis Cemetery, Nashua. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rene’s name to Home, Health, and Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Arrangements entrusted to the care of ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua.
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