Col. Rene Camille Provost

July 25, 1938 - April 26, 2018

Rene C. Provost, 79, of Leesburg, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday April 26th after a brief illness. He had resided in Florida for the past 15 years, but spent most of his life in Connecticut. Rene was born in Canterbury, CT to Joseph and Theresa (Mailloux) Provost. He graduated from Killingly High School in 1956. Rene was a retired officer with a distinguished history of service in the National Guard. He enlisted in the Guard in 1955 at the age of 17 and became an officer in 1960. He served in Vietnam in the Army’s 65th Engineer Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division from 1967-1968 and returned to the CT National Guard upon his return from the war. He was the Post Commander at the National Guard training camp in Niantic, CT from 1969-1979. He retired with the rank of Colonel. Rene loved golfing and fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid UConn women’s basketball fan and was a basketball referee in Connecticut for many years. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalind, as well as daughter and son-in-law Donna and Josh Krell, daughter Pamela Provost, and cherished grandson Aaron Krell. He is survived by a special brother-in-law Arthur “Bucky” Rickey and his wife Gerri. Rene is also survived by his sisters and brothers Paulette (Marvin) Sawyer, Paul (Rosalie) Provost, Jackie Walker, Joseph Provost, and Jeanne (David) Carpenter, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Pauline Peloquin and brother Richard Provost. A service will be planned in Connecticut at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to Disabled American Veterans 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent at pagetheusfuneralhome.com. Arrangements under the care of Page-Theus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Leesburg, FL.