"So sorry to hear of Andre's passing. I relieved him in Newport as Bandleader of the Cruiser/Destroyer Force Band in August 1971. He then became my immediate boss as Supervisor of CCDL Bands and did all the booking of the band.. We had kept in touch over the years. I was just at his home in Sept. He was in good spirits. He was a true gentleman. Jack Rodway"
In loving memory of
Andre J Lussier
June 2, 1925 - October 7, 2021
André Lussier, 96, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away on October 7, 2021 at Newport Hospital after a brief illness.
The youngest of 21 children, Mr. Lussier was born in Fall River, Massachusetts to Gaudiace P. and Mathilda (LaBonte) Lussier.
For 63 years, he was married to the love of his life, Elaine M. (Knauf) Lussier. He is survived by his two daughters, Rita A. Lussier-Schenck of Jamestown and Denise M. Lussier of Providence, his two grandchildren, Geoffrey K. Brownell and Meredith Lussier-Schenck, and sons-in-law, Ernest Schenck and Claude Verdier.
At the age of 18 and shortly after the invasion of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Navy. A lifelong musician, he quickly rose to the rank of Musician Senior Chief Petty Officer and Bandmaster. A veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, Mr. Lussier served honorably for 31 years in his beloved Navy.
His accomplishments were many. As bandmaster, it was his honor and privilege to perform for every President from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Richard M. Nixon.
In 1957, when the Navy opened the St. Lawrence Seaway, Mr. Lussier and his band played for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles in Montreal with President Dwight Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower present.
In 1963, while President John F. Kennedy was inspecting the Pacific Fleet, Mr. Lussier and his band received the President aboard the USN carrier, Oriskany, in San Diego. Years later, he was fortunate once again to welcome JFK to Naval Base Newport and to perform for the President and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, at Hammersmith Farm in Newport.
A member of the Middletown Knights of Columbus, Mr. Lussier was also a member of the United Auto Workers Union and Fleet Reserve BR #19.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, Rhode Island.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 20, at 8:30 AM from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Lucy's Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown.
Burial with Military Honors will follow in Newport Memorial Park, Howland Avenue, Middletown.
On behalf of the Lussier family, all guests will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.
Tributes
"Andre was a dear friend and daily Mass participant at St. Mary's while I was Pastor. He always had a smile on his face and an interesting story to tell. He was one of the most encouraging and faith-filled people I have met in my lifetime. Many will miss him and the joy he shared so freely. God bless Him - a life well lived and a true servant of God."
"So sorry to hear of Andy's passing. Had so much fun working with him at Jai alai in standing room south. A cast of characters for sure. What a nice man he was and always had a kind word for everyone. He absolutely loved his music and had a story for us just about every night. God bless Andy and godspeed. Gary Williams"
"My deepest sympathy. So sad to hear of his passing. He was a devoted coworker and member of UAW 7770. I can picture Elaine and Andy ballroom dancing and a special love for each other. On behalf of the members of UAW 7770 we send our love and deepest sympathy to his family. Cathy Rayner President"
"Uncle Andre?, his wife and two daughters were the only family living in California at the time to support a niece that came west from Fall River by herself to teach school for a year. But instead, a year later Elaine helped Pauline find a wedding dress in San Diego, Uncle Andre? drove her to the wedding in his new 1963 New Yorker, and Rita and Denise served as flower girls. For his and their love I and my seven children are and will continue to have a special place in our hearts for them. Love, Errol Mackzum "