Albert "Gene" Fleurent's Obituary
Albert "Gene" Fleurent, 87, passed away on June 6, 2026 in Orange City, Florida at the age of 87.Born on August 16, 1938, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Joseph and Lelia (Benoit) Fleurent.
Gene was a proud mason and a longtime member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers Local 3, having joined in 1966. He also proudly served in the Army National Guard and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, as well as the Deltona Senior Softball League.
He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed cheering on the Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. He loved dancing, singing, playing the piano, gardening, fishing, playing cards, and working crossword puzzles. Some of his happiest days were spent fishing for striped bass off Martha's Vineyard and quahogging and clamming with family on Sconticut Neck during the perfect low tide.He loved making memories through camping trips, road adventures, and countless family gatherings. In recent years, he especially enjoyed outings for New England seafood and attending tribute shows at local theaters.
Nothing brought Gene greater happiness than his family. He delighted in giving up his afternoon nap so his great-grandchildren could have picnics on his bed while they watched cartoons together. He loved being entertained by them and treasured every moment spent in their company.
His eldest grandson shared these words:
"PePere was larger than life and an unapologetic show-off. When I was in my teens, he'd greet me by popping off his shirt to flex his pecs or hoisting me clear over his head just to prove he still could.
He loved to sing, dance, play the piano, and garden, and he kept doing all these things long after his body told him he couldn't or shouldn't. He didn't let anyone tell him what to do—except MeMere and eventually his daughters, Donna and Debbie, (after MeMere passed 21 years ago), because he didn't have much choice in the matter. He proudly wore a shirt that read, 'I'm not afraid of you... I have daughters.'
He was proud of the work he did with his hands and the life he built with them.
Drive through Fairhaven with him and he would point out every building he had a hand in as a mason. To this day, I don't know for sure whether he really put nipples on the gargoyles perched on the ramparts of Fairhaven High School, but I choose to believe he did, because somehow it's a fitting legacy.
He was proud of his garden. In the years he was fit enough to keep one, I can still see him bronzed from the sun, standing among his tomatoes and squash, eating green beans straight off the plant while surveying his kingdom.
But nothing ever made him prouder than his family. Ten grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren—every grandson a prince and every granddaughter a princess. All the way to the very end, nothing lit him up more than one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren walking into the room."
Gene passed while in the loving care of Donna and Steve MacDonald and their children. He was often surrounded by the many little princes and princesses who brightened his days.
He is survived by his loving children, Donna (Steve) MacDonald of Deltona, Florida; Debbie (John) Frias of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, who tenderly cared for him throughout his later years; Glenn Fleurent of Warwick, Rhode Island; and Gary (Susan) Fleurent of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind his brother, Lenny Fleurent; his sisters, Lillian Horsley and Lorraine Bachand; 10 cherished grandchildren; and 22 adored great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life.
Gene was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Janice (Phaneuf) Fleurent, whose memory he carried in his heart every day. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Victor, Pete, Raymond, Rene, and his sister Lucille Moniz.
The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Assisting Hands Home Healthcare and caregivers Nolan, Wendy, Heather, Maritza, Kayla, Natalie, and Julia for the compassionate care, comfort, and happiness they brought to Gene each day.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gene's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or a local animal shelter
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