Rene Alfred Kirouac

Rene “Al” Kirouac was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on January 21, 1927 and passed away April 8, 2011. He will be greatly missed by his beloved and devoted wife, Muriel, and his dedicated children Renelle (Julio) Avilez, Bill (Leane) Kirouac, and Terri (Bob) Oien; his grandchildren Derek (Priscilla) Avilez, Nina (Drew) Martin, Juli (Allan) Guevara, Lisa Oien, Krysta Kirouac, Jenna Oien, and Ross Kirouac; his great-grandchildren Deren, Dylan, and Katia Avilez; as well as extended family and countless number of friends. Rene was a proud member of the United States Navy, serving from May 1944 to May 1946 aboard the USS Berrien APA62. He achieved the rank of Seaman, First Class and was a member of the prestigious United States Navy Amphibious Force. Rene received the WWII Victory Medal, as well as the American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, with two battle stars, as a result of his participation in two major battles: Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He later moved from Massachusetts to Miami and joined the Army National Guard and the Army National Guard of Florida, of which he was a member from January 1953 to January 1956. In June of 1956 he...[more]

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June of 1956 he became a firefighter for Metro-Dade County. Rene was the first elected President of Union Local S-5 and also served as elected President of the Dade County Port Authority Employee’s Union A.S.C.M.E. After 27 years of dedicated service, he retired in May 1983. The friendships he formed and the experiences he had during this time would prove to provide a depth and a richness that would carry him throughout the remainder of his life. Upon retirement, Rene and Muriel moved to Key Largo for much fishing and relaxation. Rene realized his dream of seeing the USA when he and Muriel set out for a decade of adventures in their motor home. They eventually resettled in Sebring, Florida; then Lake Placid, Florida; and finally Pembroke Pines, Florida, to be near their children. Rene will never be forgotten and will often be the topic of many conversations. He made a lasting impression on so many people throughout the course of his life. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Derek Avilez Benevolent Fund. Please make checks to: Hollywood Professional Firefighters c/o Derek Avilez. Please mail to Priscilla Avilez 3625 S.W. 161 Terrace Miramar, FL 33027.