GAINESVILLE—Deacon Joseph Henry Fugere Jr., assigned to Prince of Peace Church in Flowery Branch this spring, died Aug. 14 in Gainesville. He was 74 years old.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Fugere was the son of the late Joseph and Loretta Fugere.

Raised in Johnston, Rhode Island, Fugere assisted in building the community’s high school while serving as a city councilman there. Fugere had a passion for coaching youth baseball and football. He was voted Rhode Island’s Man of the Year in 1968.

Ordained a deacon 12 years ago, Deacon Fugere had served in dioceses in Missouri, Florida and North Carolina before moving to Georgia. He was also a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus.

Deacon Fugere is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gloria Ann (Tomasso) Fugere; son and daughter-in-law Joseph and Mari Fugere of Chugiak, Alaska; daughter Lori Fugere of Flowery Branch; grandchildren Kai, Shawn, Leilani and Riley Fugere; and brother Robert Joseph Fugere of DeLand, Florida.

The funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 18 at Holy Cross Church in Providence, Rhode Island. A memorial Mass was celebrated Sept. 6 at Prince of Peace Church.

Contributions in Deacon Fugere’s memory may be made to: The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, 2 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA 01263.