Oliver J. Galarneau, Jr.

Oliver "Ollie" J. Galarneau, Jr., 81, of Attleboro, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
He was the husband of the late Cheryl Lee (Welton) Galarneau, to which they were married for 42 years prior to her passing in 2008.
Born in Pawtucket, RI on August 31, 1942, he was the youngest son of the late Oliver J. Galarneau, Sr. and Florence (Messier) of Pawtucket, RI. He was predeceased by his sister Jeannette and her Husband Albert Pare, of Pawtucket, his other sister: Claire and her husband Robert Jeffrey of Attleboro and his brother Omer Galarneau and his wife Connie of Cumberland, RI.
"Ollie", as he preferred to be called, was a graduate of Tolman High School in Pawtucket, Ri in 1960.  He also held a Bachelor of Music studies from Berkeley College of Music in Boston, MA.?
Mr. Galarneau was a jewelry finishing foreman for the M.S. Company of Attleboro for nearly 50 years, along with a short stint at the L. G. Balfour Manufacturing Plant in Attleboro for a few years.  He held many certifications in Waste Water Treatment/Management with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
He was an active member of many fraternal groups.  He was a Master Mason for nearly 47 years.  In that time, he served as Worshipful Master of Bristol Lodge A.F. & A.M. in 1985 and in 2000.   He was the Chaplin for many years at Eastern Star A.F. & A.M. in Rehoboth.  He was a Past High Priest of the former Rabboni Royal Arch Chapter, and received the Benjamin Hurd Distinguished Service medal for his many years of service to the Craft.
Ollie was a member of the Attleboro Council of Royal and Select Master Masons and a Sir Knight of the former Bristol Commandery No. 29 of Attleboro.  He was Worthy Patron of Angle Stone Chapter No. 118 O.E.S. of North Attleboro/Foxboro and Hope Chapter No. 41 O.E.S. in Attleboro.   Mr. Galarneau served many years on the North Attleboro Rainbow for Girls Advisory board, and received the Grand Cross of Color given out by Supreme Assembly for his tireless dedication.
His true calling was playing for the Rhode Island Shrine and Aleppo Shrine Bands where he would play trumpet or bugle. He was involved in many bands, from The Happy Notes to various other groups.  He also played "Taps" for numerous military funerals during his lifetime.  He was also an assistant Scout Master for Troop 25 B.S.A. in Attleboro, MA.
His many hobbies, various and eclectic as he was, included: rollerskating in his youth at the local rinks, working on his classic Hudson automobiles, bicycle riding, camping with the Boy Scouts, fishing with his dad, brother and uncles.
Later on he enjoyed attending live band performances with family and friends. Attending classic and antique car shows and touring the various New England states and Canada in one of his many Volkswagens he had.  He also enjoyed listening to his radios and catching up on the Red Sox during the season.  He enjoyed family vacations in Vermont as well.
Ollie leaves behind three grown children:  Todd and Lisa Galarneau of Saugus, MA. a grandson, Adam Duderewicz of Central Falls, RI, Craig and Kristen Silverman of Milford, MA and his granddaughter, Brittany.  Paul and Andrea McCaffrey of Rehoboth, grandson Nicholas. Numerous cousins and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Masonic Memorial Service conducted by the Officers of Eastern Star Lodge A.F. & A.M. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 6:45 P.M in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA followed by a Christian Memorial Service at 7:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel". Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:45 pm prior to services.
There will be a "Celebration of Life" collation at Ezekiel-Bates Lodge at 71 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA immediately following the service.
Burial will be private at a later date in Newell Burying Ground, South Attleboro,MA.     In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the following:  "Friends of the Attleboro Animal Shelter"   27 Pond St. N   Attleboro, MA 02703 or to the following:   Grand Chapter of Massachusetts Order of the Eastern Star (in the Memo line put in Isadore Forbes Benevolent Fund Board in Memory of Bro. Oliver J. Galarneau, P.P. Attention:  Mrs. Anna B. Craig, Grand Secretary, PO BOX 600583, 302 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA 02460.
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200