Obituary of Joseph Maurice Comtois

Brooklyn-Joseph Maurice “Hank” Comtois, 86, died peacefully Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Westview Health Care in Dayville surrounded by his family. He was born in Danielson, November 23, 1929, son of Anastase and Evelina (Coutu) Comtois. He was the beloved husband and constant companion of Alice (Kertennis) Comtois. They were married January 15, 1955 in Rogers, CT and would have celebrated 61 years of marriage this January. He was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson. Hank served in the US Army from 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1953 and was a paratrooper. He was a restaurateur starting in the business with his brother-in-law John Kertennis and sister and brother-in-law Josephine and Eddie and Gasoriek at Eddies Grill in Brooklyn and Dayville. From 1960-1968 he and Alice owned the Time Square in Danielson. In 1968 they opened The Meadow Steak House in South Killingly. For the past 45 years they have owned Hank’s Restaurant on Route 6 in Brooklyn. Hank was a consummate host and bartender. His smile was his trademark and his handshake his word. Hank had a great sense of humor, telling jokes and often a bit of a prankster. He lost his voice to cancer in 1977 but not his love of life. He was totally devoted to his family and his business. He loved caring for his home and business and was often seen riding his tractor and gardening along Route 6 in a colorful bandana. We will miss his gentle spirit, brown eyes and sweet hugs. The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Matty and Westview Healthcare Center and their Staff for their excellent care and compassion. Hank leaves the love of his life, Alice, his daughter Lyn-Michelle LaCharite and her husband Roland of Brooklyn, his granddaughter Stephanie Lyn and her husband Captain Stephen Gerry of Alexandria, Virginia and his brother Donald Comtois of Alexandria, Virginia. He was predeceased by a granddaughter Lyndsay Jean, a sister Alice Bernard and brothers, Leo, Lucien, Albert, Armand “Count”, Philip and Wilfred. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 28, 2015 at 12:00 Noon at St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson followed by Military Honors. Burial in the spring in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Hank’s memory to the St. James School, 120 Water Street, Danielson, CT 06239. Share a memory with his family at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com