Armand J. Peloquin, Sr. Obituary (1930 - 2011)

Armand (A.J.) Joseph Peloquin Sr., of Oro Valley, Arizona, died Tuesday, January 4, 2011, from complications associated with renal failure at the age of 80. Armand was born May 26, 1930 in Central Falls, Rhode Island. As a young man he joined the United States Army as a corporal in the Armor and Military Police branches. He was especially proud of his service. In 1954, on June 19th, he married the love of his life, Ruth Helen Cloutier, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Armand and Ruth moved to California where they lived for the next 45 years. It was here that they raised their three children, Joe, Michelle, and Rod. Armand worked for Hughes Aircraft Company, as a Production Control Manager and retired after 38 years of employment. During his time at Hughes he was involved in many space and satellite programs for which he was very proud. In 1977, he graduated from Golden West College, with an Associate's Degree in business. More than anything, Armand was a dedicated family man. After long days, and much travel to and from work, he would lend a hand with homework or school projects. Armand also liked to take his turn in the kitchen. He had a limited menu that consisted primarily of tacos or spaghetti, of which he became a connoisseur. Along with his wife, he spent many years packing and unpacking the station wagon; preparing for the countless camping and traveling adventures they shared with their children. Disneyland, the beach in Mexico, and trips to Rhode Island, he approached all with enthusiasm. In his life he put on many hats; that of the cheerleader at little league games, the Indian chief and tepee builder of the Y.M.C.A. Indian Guides, the cook and Italian Federation member at the church fiestas, and parade guide next to a squad of marching girls, to name a few. When grandchildren came along he was in his glory. He liked nothing better than rocking them when they were babies, singing them songs as they grew older, and being able to share in the excitement of their sporting events. His face lit up whenever he talked about his children and his grandchildren. He was unbelievably proud of each and every one of them. Family devotion seemed to come naturally to Armand. His love was unconditional. Collecting stamps and coins, making puzzles, and bowling all became life-long hobbies that he often shared with his wife, children and grandchildren. He continually tried to improve his bowling game and spent several seasons competing in leagues alongside his wife and grandsons. With his wife, he enjoyed many exciting trips; to Europe, Greece, China, Las Vegas, New York and Alaska. While on these trips they experienced a myriad of wonderments that they reminisced about, long after they returned. By air, by sea, by boat, it really didn't matter, as long as he was with his wife, he was happy to be there. Armand is survived by Ruth, his wife of 56 years, his children, Armand Peloquin Jr. of Ohio, Michelle Johnson of Arizona, and Rodney Peloquin Sr. of California, their spouses Sharon Peloquin, Thomas Johnson and Gabrielle Peloquin, grandchildren; Dylan Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Stephen Peloquin, Emma Peloquin, Rodney Peloquin Jr., and Cielle Peloquin. Armand also leaves behind his adopted family members, Donna Peloquin, Sandy Jones, the Knapp Family, the Negrete Family and his much loved, dog, Muffy. Armand was preceded in death by his parents Lionel and Evelyn Peloquin, and brother, George Peloquin. The memorial mass will be held January 10, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at Santa Catalina Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa de La Luz Hospice or to Santa Catalina Catholic Church. Immediately following the service please join us in a celebration of Armand's life and for refreshments at the home of Tom and Michelle Johnson,