Obituaries were published for Jeannette Pion, 84, of Attleboro; Charles Fox, 87, of Attleboro; Janet Hay, 95, of Calistoga, Calif.; Richard Lavasseur Sr., 61, of Franklin; Claude Coelho, 58, of Newport, N.H.; Norman Mercier, 78, of North Providence, formerly of Pawtucket; Raymond Goyette, 89, of Pawtucket; Jesse Armell Jr., 87, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and Priscilla Littlefield, 81, of Seekonk.

Jeannette Pion, 84

ATTLEBORO - Jeannette M. (Dufault) Pion, 84, of Park Street, Attleboro; formerly of Christopher Heights, South Main Street, Attleboro, died on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 at the Life Care Center of Attleboro, where she had been a resident since July 2004.

Born in Pawtucket, R.I. on Feb. 15, 1925, she was a daughter of the late Narcisse and Aldea (Corriveau) Dufault.

Mrs. Pion returned to Massachusetts almost nine years ago from Florida, where she had resided from May 1987 until returning to Attleboro in December 2001. Prior to moving to Florida, Mrs. Pion was a longtime resident of South Attleboro and had resided in Pawtucket. In earlier years, she was employed as a seamstress, and later made braided rugs prior to becoming a sample maker for an eyeglass manufacturer.

While residing in South Attleboro, Mrs. Pion was a communicant of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church. In Florida she was an active member of her church, where she served her church community as a member of the choir and was an active volunteer for church functions such as potluck dinners.

She enjoyed the time spent creating arts and crafts. Her family will lovingly remember her for her devotion to family and her zest for life.

Mrs. Pion leaves her loving children, Pauline R. D'Ambra of Cranston, R.I., Edward R. Pion of Warwick, R.I. and Daniel J. Pion of Warwick, R.I.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and several extended family members.

She was the sister of the late Lillian Delre and Doris Dufault.

Visitation has been respectfully omitted.

A private memorial service in honor and celebration of her life will be held on Friday, Oct. 30 in the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson House, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, with the Rev. John M. Murray, pastor of St. Joseph and Holy Ghost Churches, Attleboro, officiating.

Burial will be private.

Please omit flowers.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. 508-695-0200.

Charles Fox, 87

ATTLEBORO - Charles Edward Fox, 87, of Jewel Avenue, Attleboro, died on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the husband of Mary R. (Marcoccio) Fox, to whom he was married on Oct. 27, 1951.

Born in Taunton, Mass. on August 7, 1922, he was a son of the late Edward R. and Florence (Rheaume) Fox. Raised and educated in Taunton, Mr. Fox was a 1940 graduate of the former Monsignor Coyle High School, now Coyle and Cassidy High School. He later attended Dean Junior College and Providence College.

He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, having served during the World War II era from his enlistment on Nov. 11, 1942 until his honorable discharge on March 1, 1946.

Mr. Fox continued a tradition started by his father of service on the railroad and was employed on the New York and New Haven and Boston and Maine railroad systems for more than 40 years.

At the time of his retirement in 1982, he was working as a railroad conductor on the "Attleboro line" of the commuter rail service to Boston.

The family legacy continues as his children now work for the railroad. He was a longtime member of the United Transportation Union.

He was a resident of the City of Attleboro since 1945, and was a communicant of Holy Ghost Church in Attleboro.

He and his wife enjoyed spending the winter months at their home in Port Charlotte, Fla. for more than 20 years.

Mr. Fox was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Gilbert-Perry Post 115 in Attleboro and was a former member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1014 in Attleboro, and was a former member of the Attleboro Moose Lodge.

He enjoyed the times spent traveling to such places as Hawaii, Florida, Maine and the Panama Canal.

An ardent reader, he was also a devoted New England Patriots fan, having been a season ticket holder for many years.

He enjoyed the time gardening around his home, especially nurturing and cultivating his gladiola gardens.

Mr. Fox was a lifelong lover and supporter of animals.

In addition to his wife of almost 58 years, he leaves four children: Christopher E. Fox and his wife Karen L. (Tarr) Fox of Attleboro, Charles E. Fox Jr. and his wife Theresa (Luiz) Fox of Warwick, R.I., Maureen A. Fox of Attleboro, and Robert E. Fox and his wife Tammie (Holland) Fox of Brockton; four grandchildren: Sean Fox of Warwick, R.I., Kelly Fox of Warwick, R.I., Gregory Fox of Attleboro, and Corrine Fox of Attleboro; a great- granddaughter, Hailey Fox-Fagundes of Warwick, R.I., and several extended family members.

He was the brother of the late Florence McBrien.

Public visitation has been respectfully omitted.

A private memorial service in honor and celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29 in the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson House, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, with the Rev. John M. Murray, pastor of St. Joseph and Holy Ghost Churches, Attleboro, officiating.

Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Attleboro.

Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made and payable to the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation Inc., a registered 501(c) (3) organization, 161 Commonwealth Ave., North Attleboro, MA 02760 to benefit the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. 508-695-0200.

Janet Hay, 95

CALISTOGA, Calif. - Janet Emma (Joachim) Hay, 95, died peacefully in her home that she shared with her friend, La Verne Oyarzo, for 26 years, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009. She was the wife of the late Commander Harold Robert Hay, U.S. Navy, of Vallejo.

She was born in Central Falls, R.I., on Sept. 21, 1914. She was the daughter of the late Alfred and Lillian (Lamothe) Joachim.

She was the sister of the late Gertrude (Morse) Bentham, Gladys Krikorian, Dorothy (Clarke) Szewczykowski and Alfred Joachim; and sister-in-law with Jane Joachim of Attleboro, Mass., Marian (Hay) McInnis of Sacramento, Janis Wedmore of Weston, Mass., the late Lt. Commander Edward Morse, U.S. Navy, Barbara Grohs of Hawaii, Patricia Paiva of Lincoln, R.I. and Gary G. Joachim of Centennial, Colo., Edward Hay Jr. of Chico, Robert Hay of Benicia, Clair (Hay) Begelman of Boulder, Colo., Colin McInnis of Sacramento, Donald McInnis of Front Royal, Va., Mary Claire Miller of Sacramento, Katherine V. McCoy of Lynnwood, Wash., Norman McInnis of Glendale, Ariz., and Ean McInnis of San Mateo.

She was a graduate of Pawtucket High School, Class of 1932, then attended business school from 1932 to 1934, worked as a cashier at the N.Y. Lace Store from 1934 to 1937, and worked as a secretary in the office of J.M. Ott in Pawtucket, R.I. from 1933 to 1943.

She joined the U.S. Navy WAVES during World War II as a chief disbursing clerk and later as WAVE recruiter, 1943-1963.

Her final rank was that of chief petty officer.

Her naval experience took place at U.S.N.T.C. Sampson, N.Y., U.S. Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H., U.S. Naval Receiving Station, Treasure Island, San Francisco, Cincnelm, London, England, U.S. Naval Receiving Station, Long Beach, and U.S. Naval Receiving Station, Albany, N.Y.

While at the Treasure Island Naval Station, Janet met Dr. Hay, who was a podiatrist surgeon, who claimed "he held her foot before her hand."

On May 13, 1954, Janet married Cmdr. Dr. Harold Hay at St. Vincent's Church, in Vallejo. They bought and built a new home in Walnut Creek. In 1977, they built a new home just outside of Calistoga. Dr. Hay died in 1980 and in 1983 Janet moved in with a friend, closer to the town of Calistoga, where she could meet new friends, as volunteering and socializing gave her great pleasure.

She was a life member of the Sharpsteen Museum, Active Calistoga Barnraised and Tree Coalition volunteer, worked the SHARE program Alzheimer Respite, the Napa County Fair Association, the Catholic Women's Society, active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Calistoga, and member of the North Bay Patriots. Viewing took place at Morrison Funeral Home Monday, Oct. 26, with recitation of the rosary at 975 Vintage Ave., St. Helena, Calif.

The funeral will be held today, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 900 Washington St., Calistoga, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetary, 2121 Spring St., in St. Helena.

In lieu of flowers, send donations for Masses to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church or a charity of your choice.

The family is being cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel, 975 Vintage Ave., St. Helena, Calif. 707-963-3536.

Richard Lavasseur Sr., 61

FRANKLIN - Richard L. Lavasseur Sr., 61, of Franklin, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at home surrounded by his family, following a brief illness.

He was the husband of Denise J. (Dion) Lavasseur.

Born Feb. 23, 1948 in Boston, a son of Dorothy A. (Ryan) Lavasseur of Ebden, Maine and the late Richard Lavasseur, he had been a resident of Franklin for over 17 years and previously lived in Norton.

He was raised and educated in Norton, and was working as a heavy equipment operator for Marinella Construction in Franklin.

Mr. Lavasseur served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and attained the rank of private 2nd class.

He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with three Overseas Bars, and was also an expert marksman.

He was honorably discharged in May 1970.

His interests included spending time with his family, watching his sons race their cars at Seekonk Speedway, NASCAR, and the New England Patriots.

In addition to his wife of 39 years and mother, he is survived by four sons: Richard L. Lavasseur Jr. of New Hampshire, Robert M. and Randy L. Lavasseur, both of Franklin, and Ryan J. Lavasseur of Hopedale; a daughter, Wendy J. Maraggio and her husband John of Douglas; a brother, Ronald G. Lavasseur of Maine; and three sisters: Sandra Enos and her husband James of Maine, Donna Finn of Wareham and Michelle Wheeler of Worcester. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Paige and Richard L. Lavasseur 3rd, and John and Joseph Maraggio.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. in the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St., Franklin (www.franklinfuneral.com). Interment will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Due to floral limitations at the cemetery, donations in his memory sent to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8605 Cameron St., Silver Spring, MD 20910 would be appreciated.

Claude Coelho, 58

NEWPORT, N.H. - Claude Leonard Coelho, 58, of Maple Street, passed away at his home Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, surrounded by his family.

Claude was born on Sept. 11, 1951, in New Bedford, Mass., the son of the late Joseph Lino and Diane Doris (FaFard) Coelho. He was raised and educated in Attleboro, Mass. and continued his education at the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.

He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving 16 years, and afterwards worked in human resources as the safety director for Wildwood Management in San Antonio, Texas.

Claude moved to Newport only three years ago to continue the simple things in life he enjoyed like fishing, kayaking, boating, golf and trips to the ocean.

Survivors include his wife Linda M. (Vincent) Coelho of Newport, N.H.; two sons, Marc L Coelho and his wife Tonya of Sunapee, N.H., and Christopher M Coelho and his wife Karen of Bristol, R.I.; three brothers: Victor of Lebanon, N.H., Gregory of East Douglas, Mass., and James of Lebanon, N.H.; two sisters, Claudette Pedro and her husband George of Attleboro, Mass., and Danielle Twyman and her husband Harry of Attleboro, Mass.; three grandchildren: Brittany, Rylee and Adriano Coelho, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, N.H.

There will be no calling hours.

Donations may be made to the Lake Sunapee Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice, PO Box 2209, New London, NH 03257.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home.

Norman Mercier, 78

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Norman Mercier, 78, formerly of Pawtucket, passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. He was the husband of Gail (Sherman) Mercier.

Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Norman and Fedora (Laliberte) Mercier.

Norman was a son, a brother, a father and he had a passion for racing.

Norman was a jockey. Norman's riding career started when he was only 19 years old, with his first win in 1951 on Ranch House at Gulfstream Park. Norman, or "Stormin Norman" some called him, went on to have a stellar career. Among his long list of achievements was the track record of 1:35.2/5 for the mile at Suffolk Downs, a record that stood for 30 years. He was vice president of the Jockey's Guild from 1966 to 1980. His riding career expanded five decades, with 21,262 mounts and 2,769 trips to the winner's circle. In 1990, he had six trips to the winners circle before his retirement.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Gerald Mercier of Smithfield and Scott Mercier of Maui, Hawaii, and two brothers, Walter Mercier of Wareham, Mass. and Joseph Mercier of South Yarmouth, Mass. He was also the brother of the late Russell Mercier.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa Church, 358 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Burial will be private.

Arrangements are by the Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home, Pawtucket. For online condolences, visit www.rifuneral.com.

Raymond Goyette, 89

PAWTUCKET - Raymond G. Goyette, 89, of Pawtucket, passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. He was the husband of Ruth (Kelley) Goyette. They were happily married for 59 years and would have been married for 60 years on Oct. 29.

Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Hormidas and Leda (Guenet) Goyette. Mr. Goyette was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving on a sub chaser in the North Atlantic as a first class petty officer.

He was a truck driver for Eastern Refractory, then worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Pawtucket for 28 years, retiring in 1979.

He was a communicant of Saint Teresa Church; a member of DAV; American Legion Post 10, Riverside; a charter member of the Elks and PER, East Providence 2337; a member of Tri-City Elks Lodge 14, Warwick; Knights of Columbus, Pope John Council, East Providence; and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Raymond Goyette Jr. and his wife Anne Marie of Pawtucket; his daughter, Diane Vincent and her husband Arthur of Rumford; and many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Beatrice Trottier and Charles, Roland, Raoul, Richard, Laurent and Herve Goyette.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. from the Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Saint Teresa Church, 358 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Burial with military honors will be in Mount Saint Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, donations to San Miguel School, 12 Carter St., Providence, RI 02907 would be appreciated. For online condolences, visit www.rifuneral.com.

Jesse Armell Jr., 87

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Jesse J. Armell Jr., an 87-year-old father of four children, and devoted husband of Rita (Tarpey) Armell, who predeceased him by five years, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009.

Jesse was born in 1922 in Attleboro, Mass. and was the son of Jesse Armell Sr. and Helen (Frenier) Armell.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Florence St. Laurent, Dorothy Bibo and Muriel Truedson; and his brothers, Alfred Moreau, Arthur Moreau and Wilbert Armell.

He lived in South Attleboro for most of his life before retiring to Florida with his wife in 1984.

As a young man, Jesse attended Attleboro High School and then went into business with his father to form the construction company of Jesse J. Armell & Son. He furthered his education in drafting at the Rhode Island School of Design.

After working with his dad for several years, he entered the armed forces in 1942, where he served a year as an infantryman. He then went on to the U.S. Air Force Cadet Training and finally to gunner school. He survived injuries sustained in a training mission crash of a B24 bomber in Montana.

After six months in an Army hospital, Jesse went on serve in the Pacific Theatre as an engineer and corporal in an Army squadron on Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in 1946, whereupon he rejoined his father in the construction business.

In 1947 he married Rita Tarpey, and over the next 16 years they had four children.

As the construction business grew into the 1950's, he expanded his skills in the insurance appraisal area, which worked hand-in-hand to help him acquire work where he could use his remodeling expertise. Due to his knowledge, he became a sought after contractor in the remodeling of residential, commercial and industrial property.

Monday nights were bowling nights where he bowled a single high score of 212, which held for many years in his Pawtucket bowling league. Due to his knowledge of building practices, he was named a member of the Southeastern Regional Planning and Development District representing the Attleboro area.

In 1968, he became a member of the South Attleboro Lions Club. Many years of dedication gave him the opportunity to become deputy district governor-at-large. For his humanitarian service, his club named him a Melvin Jones Fellow. His Lions association brought he and his wife on many trips to exotic places, such as Hawaii, Canada, Japan, Asia and Europe.

Jesse was proud of several achievements, but none so much as his pride in his children and their accomplishments, and the raising of their children.

He leaves a son, Jesse J. Armell III and his wife Laurie Gelati-Armell of North Attleboro; daughters Christine (Armell)Swanger and her husband Jeffery Swanger of Fort Pierce Fla., Lori (Armell) Dorr of Warwick, R.I. and Kimberly (Armell) Watson and her husband Michael of Portland, Maine.

His grandchildren remember their grandfather as their generous mentor who maintained an interest in them throughout his later years. His last visit to Massachusetts was to see them. They are Jesse J. IV, Kaitlin and Shea Armell of North Attleboro, Robert Dorr III of North Attleboro, Joseph Kerrins IV, Jennifer Burgess, Jeffrey Swanger and Anne Marie Swanger of Florida, and Lucas and Cooper Watson of Portland, Maine. He leaves four great-grandchildren, River and Ronnie Burgess, and Joseph V and Sophia Kerrins of Florida.

Private burial will follow at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, P.O. Box 6050, New Bedford, MA 02742. All donations will be acknowledged and sincerely appreciated.

Priscilla Littlefield, 81

SEEKONK - Priscilla J. (Macomber) Littlefield, 81, a lifelong resident of Seekonk, died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 at Elmhurst Extended Care in Providence after a short illness.

She was the beloved wife of Walter Littlefield, mother of Christina Littlefield, and aunt of Bernice Rose Dangelas and the late Clifford Rose.

Priscilla was born in Pawtucket, the daughter of the late Linwood and Dorothy (McNally) Macomber.

She was a former school teacher in the Attleboro Falls school district and a dedicated wife, mother, aunt and friend.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

After The Herald stopped publishing a rather difficult puzzle, she and Walter made up their own to stump each other.

Priscilla cared deeply for the plight of abandoned dogs and cats.

After she became housebound, she painfully missed the simple pleasure of walking her dog.

For the past 12 years, Priscilla tirelessly nursed her husband of 51 years through the many stages of Parkinson's disease, providing his neurologists with valuable observations and insights that greatly improved his quality of life.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and the service will be at 11:30 on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at LaChapelle Funeral Home, 643 Main St., Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Priscilla's memory may be made to the Seekonk Animal Shelter, 100 Peck St., Seekonk, MA 02771.

For directions and to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lachapellefh.com.