Albert H. "Cheeks" Gosselin

Albert H. "Cheeks" Gosselin, 77, formerly of Cumberland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Village House in Newport after an extended illness. Born and raised in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Albert J. Gosselin and Lauretta (Biron) Gosselin.

Al was a 1965 graduate of Woonsocket High School and a Vietnam era veteran, serving in the U.S. Army's 519th Military Police Battalion. He worked in building material sales for many years, most notably as a sales manager at Leeway Hardware Store in North Smithfield. A mid-life career change saw him obtain his realtor's license, and he enjoyed several successful years brokering real estate deals for clients in and around northern Rhode Island.

Al was known to all as an avid sports fan, especially loyal to the NY Yankees, NY Giants, and LSU Tigers. But his love of sports was not limited to being a sidelines spectator - he was also an active participant. He played adult league softball, traveling to tournaments throughout New England and eastern Canada. He was a goalie for the Rhode Island Relics old-timer's hockey team, and later became their coach. His golf addiction took Al to courses and clubs throughout New England, as well as to Florida and Colorado, and he played in numerous local charity tournaments. Al also enjoyed fishing for large-mouth bass, traveling with his brothers to Quabbin Reservoir in central Massachusetts and to the spillways of south Louisiana.

Al is survived by his two older brothers G. Normand Benoit of Andover, MA, and Robert Gosselin of Baton Rouge, LA; his nieces Michele Benoit, Mary Beth Fox, and Gennifer Constant, all of Baton Rouge, LA, and nephew Robert Benoit of Hooksett, NH; as well as grand-nieces and grand-nephews William Ryan Gaddy, Daniel Fox and Emily Fox, Amanda Constant and Erin Constant, and Leah Benoit and Jillian Benoit. Al also leaves behind his very special friend Rita Benoit of Cumberland and her extended family, close friends Jacquie and Willie Corriveau and their son Wayne Corriveau of Woonsocket, and his many friends and neighbors in the JenksWoods Apartments community in Cumberland.

In addition to his parents, Al was predeceased by his nephew Normand Benoit of Bellingham, and his two beloved corgis, Gizmo #1 and Gizmo #2.

The family wishes to thank the Village House nurses, especially Kitty, Leah, and Katherine, and Nursing Placement hospice nurses Christina and Jess, for their compassionate care and for keeping Al's out-of-state family so well informed while he was in their care.

Al's services will take place early next year, at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements are in the care of Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main Street, Woonsocket.
In lieu of flowers, Al's family requests memorial donations to The Hotel for Homeless Dogs, Berkeley Oval, 44 Martin St, Cumberland, RI 02864. https://newenglandhumanesociety.com/in-memory/
 

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