Rene O. Nault

Woonsocket - Rene O. Nault, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026 in Oakland Grove Health Center with his family by his side. He was the husband of Jeannine Marie (Ferland) Nault of Woonsocket. 

Born in Woonsocket, son of the late Omer R. and Rita (Savaria) Nault. 

Rene passed peacefully, leaving behind a life marked by faith, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to his family. A parishioner of St. Anne’s and Holy Family, he served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, sang in the choir, and volunteered tirelessly in the parish kitchens and at countless church events.

He began working as a child, cutting firewood at eight and leaving school early to help support his parents and siblings. That early responsibility shaped the man he became — hardworking, determined, and endlessly resourceful. He built his own moving business and later founded Nault & Sons in 1970, working long days but always making time for his six children. He ensured they received a Catholic education and never missed a game, recital, or school play.

For more than 30 years, he served the Boy Scouts as a Scoutmaster and summer camp volunteer at Yawgoo and Buck Hill, guiding young people with patience, humor, and integrity. He lived his faith through action — through service, sacrifice, and the love he poured into his family and community. His legacy is one of strength, humility, and a lifetime of putting others first.

He was also the heart of every family gathering. Holidays, cookouts, and Sunday visits happened at his home, where he cooked with pride using his endless collection of kitchen gadgets, home‑grown vegetables, and well‑seasoned cast‑iron pans. Feeding people was one of the ways he showed love, and nothing made him happier than a house full of family.

He especially loved the family’s long‑standing clam bakes, a tradition he and his siblings began decades ago. Everyone helped — cooking clams, sausage, and vegetables in a homemade pit or barrel lined with hot rocks and seaweed.

To his grandchildren, he was steady, stubborn, and dependable — the one who could pack two cords of wood into a space the size of a shoebox, the one who always showed up when needed, the one whose approval meant everything. His lessons were simple but lasting: work hard, be responsible, tell the truth, and take care of your family. The best parts of their work ethic, candor, and grit come from watching him and wanting to be like him.

His oldest grandson accidentally dubbed him "Grumpy Grandpa"—a nickname that stuck so perfectly it soon became the only name the younger children knew. He will long be remembered for being bullheaded, unstoppable, and always having a project in motion. Yet, he was our steady anchor, always ready with a smile right when it was needed, and a patient ear whenever someone needed to talk. Unapologetically genuine, he spoke his truth plainly without worrying about how it landed. Beneath that blunt exterior, he was fiercely loyal, incredibly steady, and entirely full of love for his family.

He was genuine, loyal, and real — sometimes rough around the edges, but always full of love. His family carries forward the values he lived every day: faith, service, and devotion to one another.

Besides his wife Jeannine, he is survived by his 6 children, Daniel Nault and his wife Cherie of Fairhaven, MA., Patricia Gemma and her husband Ron of Rehoboth, MA., Timothy Nault and his wife Michelle of Woonsocket, Christopher Nault and his wife Wendy of Broad brook, CT., Peter Nault and his wife Linda of Woonsocket, and Nicole Belanger and her husband Mark of Boylston, MA. His 20 beloved grandchildren: Daniel's children, Owen and Ethan; Patricia's children, Ashley, Cody and RJ; Timothy's children, Jason, Timothy Richard, Michael, Chelsea, Timothy Jr., Tyler, and Patrick; Christopher's children, Shawn, Tavon, Kayla, and Christopher Jr.; Peter's daughter, Samantha; and Nicole's children, Cavin, Jordan, and Madison, and 16 great-grandchildren. 8 siblings, Doris Beaulieu, Jeanne Clancy, Helen Sawyer, Raymond Nault, Maurice Nault, Lucille Verhoest, Leo Nault, and Nancy Glaude. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Roger Nault, Muriel Ridolfi, and Rita Glaude, 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10 AM in Divine Mercy Parish 48 St Paul St, Blackstone, MA 01504.  Relatives and friends are invited. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 4-6 PM in the S. DiPardo Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 1583 Diamond Hill Rd Woonsocket, RI 02895. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers we would like the for someone to plant a tree in his name. 

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