Father Andre ‘Andy’ N. Remillard, retired diocesan priest

Father Andre ‘Andy’ N. Remillard, 80, of West Yarmouth, peacefully passed in his home at the Cape, surrounded by those who loved him on Oct. 24.

Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and raised in Blackstone, Father Remillard was the son of the late Norman and Lillian M. (Jobin) Remillard.

He graduated from Mount St. Charles Academy, Woonsocket in 1961 and continued his education at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in West Warwick, Rhode Island; Our Lady of Loretto Seminary in Loretto, Pennsylvania; and St Paul’s University in Ottawa, Canada. He completed his studies with a master's degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.  

He served as a deacon at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Worcester.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1970, in St. Paul Cathedral, by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan. The first and only one in the family and his parish to be ordained as a priest. He served as associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Worcester from 1970-1974 and was co-pastor with Father Paul Campbell from 1974-1980; associate pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Worcester. He was then named Chaplain of Worcester County Jail, House of Correction and Hospital from 1984-1986. He was appointed pastor of St. Richard of Chichester Parish, Sterling from 1986-1997. He was appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish in Jefferson in June 1997, where he remained until he retired from active ministry in June, 2012.  

Even in retirement, Father Remillard remained dedicated to his calling, serving as a visiting priest at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis.

Beyond his ministry, Father Remillard had a deep passion for running, reading and gardening. He participated in many triathlons and races. He found great joy in these activities, which brought him a sense of peace and fulfillment.

His greatest love was God. Family was his utmost joy. Being at the beach at his beloved Cape with his family and friends celebrating holidays and hosting many gatherings was truly his oasis. He just had to have his daily ice cream, except during lent. Hospitality was his forte along with constant landscaping of his beautiful flowers, trees and around his fishpond. He loved family, life and people. He touched thousands of lives in all his ministries and in his lifetime continued to be present to his family, friends and all his parishioners since the 1970s. He was “The People’s Priest.”  

Father Remillard is survived by his sister, Yvette Remillard, with whom he lived at the Cape; Leo Remillard and wife Jean of Bellingham; Denis Remillard and wife Rosanne of Bellingham. He also leaves his niece, Paula Remillard Marano and her husband Peter of Franklin; three nephews, Mark, Christopher and his wife, Cathy and Gary Remillard; grandnieces, grandnephews; and great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews. He is predeceased by his aunt and namesake, Sister Andree Jobin.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Nov. 3 from 3-6 p.m., followed by a vigil service at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 35 Hamilton St., Worcester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, celebrated by Bishop McManus. Interment will take place on Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. at St. Jean-Baptiste Cemetery, 310 Wrentham Rd., Bellingham.

In lieu of flowers, Father Remillard requested donations, in his memory, be sent to St. Mary’s Abbey, 300 Arnold St. Wrentham, Massachusetts 02093 and, or Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod Hospice Care, 25 Communication Way, Hyannis, MA 02601.

The family wishes to thank his Hospice Nurse, Karen, and all who participated in his care, especially his longtime caregiver, Andree Theroux.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com.