February 10, 2023

Deacon Romeo Hebert Jr. dies; served at St. Anne Parish, Chicopee

REGIONAL
Staff report  

CHICOPEE – Deacon Romeo (Pete) L. Hebert Jr., died on Sunday, Feb. 5 at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center. He had served at St. Anne Parish, Chicopee.

Born in Holyoke to Romeo and Marie-Ange (Parent) Hebert, he was a graduate of the former Precious Blood High School. He continued his education at Westfield State University, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in French, followed by two years of study with the La Salette Missionaries. He was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Parish in Holyoke, and a member of its social club and choir. He also was a lector and assisted at the altar.

He was a former member of the VFW in Holyoke and was active in the Massachusetts Citizens for Life (Holyoke Chapter) and the Knights of Columbus Fairview Council 4044, where he volunteered at bingo and spaghetti suppers. He was employed by the Holyoke Housing Authority.

Deacon Hebert was a Navy veteran, having served his country for six years. During retirement, he worked in the transportation department at the Chicopee Senior Center, where he was an active member, receiving the Adam Marcinkiewicz Award for his volunteer efforts.

In 2005, he enrolled in the Springfield Diocese Diaconate Program and was ordained as a permanent deacon in 2009. He was assigned to St. Anne Parish in Chicopee, where he served as a deacon for 10 years, while also bringing Communion to the homebound.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Proulx) Hebert of Chicopee; sister-in-law, Marie D. Meder and her husband Daniel of Chicopee; and by nieces Dannielle, Michele, and Elizabeth; and grandnephew Christian. He was predeceased by his sister, Pauline Host of Chicopee.

Calling hours will be held on Monday Feb. 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anne Church in Chicopee. Committal services with Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m. in the chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam.

Memorial contributions may be made in Deacon Hebert’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.