WATERBURY – Emile J. “Poppy” Rehel, age 91, of Waterbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at Waterbury Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy M. (Birdsall) Rehel.
Emile was born on March 7, 1932 in Chandler, Quebec, Canada, a son of the late Emile and Marianne (Beaudin) Rehel. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.
Before his retirement, Emile worked as a steam fitter for Uniroyal Inc. in Naugatuck for many years. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Oakville Post. He enjoyed coffee at McDonalds every morning and spending the weekends with friends at the American Legion Oakville Post 195.
Emile leaves his daughter, Rebecca Rehel and her spouse Suzanne Caron, of Bloomfield; granddaughter Amanda Sheehan and her husband Dave, of Oxford; and great-grandson Jake Sheehan.
He was predeceased by his son, Emile Rehel; daughter, Barbara Hnyda; sisters, Stella Rehel, Aldea MarcAurele, Yvette Polonis and Noella Aubin; and brothers, Gerard and Euclid Rehel.
A calling hour will be on Friday morning, Feb. 23, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. A prayer service will follow the wake at 12:30 p.m. Burial with full military honors will follow the prayer service at 12:30 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Oakville Post 195.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Emile’s name may be made to: American Legion Oakville Post 195, 62 Bunker Hill Road, Oakville, CT 06779.
For more info, full obituary or to send e-condolences, visit chaseparkwaymemorial.com.
