Francis "Butchie" W. Rameau Jr.

FITCHBURG: Francis “Butchie” W. Rameau Jr., 70, of Fitchburg died Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 at home with his loving wife by his side.

Butchie was born in Fitchburg, September 24, 1955, the son of Francis W. and Beverly (Blandin) Rameau Sr and was a lifelong resident of Fitchburg.

Although a lifelong resident of Fitchburg, Butchie did leave his hometown to proudly serve in the US Navy for 4 years. His service took him to Okinawa, Japan, and Norfolk, Virginia, where he worked as a welder for the “Seabees”. Upon his honorable discharge, he began working for Roumbakis Painting and Contracting continuing with them for the next 25 years and then working for the next 15 years with the maintenance department at Worcester Housing Authority from where he retired.

Community and family were very important to Butchie which showed through time spent with his son, Chris camping and fishing in Maine or the getaway days with his wife, Annie to Salisbury Beach for shore fishing, beach combing and a late lunch at The Winner’s Circle to end the day perfectly. Cookouts, family dinners and holiday meals, especially the desserts, were the simple pleasures that made life rich.

His friends will know him best for his good-natured company and willingness to volunteer for fundraising events and community activities at both the Knights of Columbus, where he was a lifetime 3rd degree Knight and the British American Club, where he was also a lifetime member. Chicken Barbecues, Queen of Hearts Drawings, and Meat Raffles were all made more special by his unwavering dedication to giving of himself for the service of others.

Between family time and work, Butchie also enjoyed being on the St. Francis Horseshoe League, the Knight’s House Dart league and after retirement getting to watch old westerns on MeTV in the morning while hanging out with Wilbur and Charlotte. He also enjoyed watching the birds.

Above all else, Butchie will be remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit, and willingness to always be there for others.

He leaves his loving wife, Anne (Belmont) Rameau of Fitchburg; his two children, son, Christopher Rameau and his wife, Amanda, & daughter, Jennifer Booth: his former wife and mother of his children, Tiny Arsenault and her husband, Scott; his two surviving siblings, brother, Wayne Rameau and his wife, Lois of Fitchburg and sister, Sandy D’Amico of Boulder City, Nevada.; six grandchildren: Timothy Pierce and his wife, Rebecca, Awestin Rameau, Christian Booth, Daisa Rameau, Paisley Brogna, Auviana Allen and Amila Muniz; several nieces and nephews; and his two kitty children, Charlotte & Wilbur his cats.

Butchie was predeceased by his sister, Patricia A. Kreidler and his brothers, Michael F. Rameau Kevin J. Rameau and Walter S. Rameau. .

Butchie’s family wishes to extend their grateful thanks to the staff of Care Central VNA Hospice for the wonderful care and support provided to both him and his family.

Butchie will be honored at the Veterans Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St, Winchendon, MA 01475, on Friday, September 25th at 10:00 AM. A celebration of life will follow at the Knights of Columbus, 165 Electric Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701-1803 or to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.