Francis "Bev" Firlotte

It is with profound sadness and yet a sense of comfort in knowing that Papa is no longer suffering and is finally at peace, that we announce his death which occurred at the Chaleur Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 4th 2025.

Francis Christian “Bev” Firlotte was the loving and devoted husband of 67 years to Ann (Hickey) Firlotte; father to Wayne, Jeff, Angela (Laurie) Frenette and Heather (Joey) Frenette; grandfather to Kiersten (Sean) Killey, Jordan (Sarah) and Kaitlyn (Preston) Frenette; and great grandfather to his “special little munchkins”, Hayes (Killey) and Brynn (Thibault).

He was the son of Henry (Harry) Firlotte and Kathleen (Clowater) Firlotte. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son Brad; brothers Wendell , John (Dwayne), Fred and his sister Anne (Bunny) Nadeau.

Bev achieved many accomplishments and wore numerous hats in his time here.

He began working in Murdochville in 1957, married in 1958 and moved back in 1964 where he and Ann built the family home. He started at the Noranda Smelter, left for a short while and sold furniture for Rayburn, then returned to the Smelter and worked his way to Purchasing Manager.

He read his paper daily, had a passion for politics, sports, building community and helping others.

Bev was involved in many non profit organizations, committees and special projects. He served on the executive for many years, as well

as a regular member of the Legion and Lion’s Club both locally and for the Zone/District.

He was actively involved in coaching Minor Baseball and Hockey, and worked tirelessly to have the land donated and the construction of the Raymond Doucet Memorial Ball Field in Jacquet River, as well as Treasurer and Director of Campaign to build the Arena in Belledune.

He served his community as a volunteer ambulance attendant, worked to acquire a Heart Defibrillator for the Jacquet River Ambulance Association and the Jaws of Life for the Fire Department.

Bev’s faith was very strong. He was Chairman of the building committee and project coordinator for the new church. He remained on the Finance Committee until his health declined.

He started out as Councilor for the Village of Jacquet River from 1977-1980, and became Mayor for three consecutive terms from 1980-1992.

All of Papa’s time was spent for the betterment of the Village for which he was a part, and for the people who resided here. All done in the true meaning of volunteering. He accomplished all these things without any formal education; he learned by doing.

Because of this and so much more, he was the first inductee to the Belledune Wall of Fame in the Builder’s category.

Bev also had many hobbies that he enjoyed himself.

He had his boat, “The Mama Kass”, that saw family and friends out for a fish or a drive, especially while home on vacation at the “Old House” where he grew up.

He had a woodshop where he made the grandchildren rocking horses and toy boxes, a beautiful wall unit for their livingroom, the pulpit at the new church, as well as a step for the youngest of readers.

He thoroughly enjoyed a good game of poker with friends, who would gather once a week at each other’s homes.

Our father was a very proud man who believed in hard work and helping others in whatever capacity he could, while instilling those values in many; especially his children. Because of this and many other reasons, we are blessed to have called him ours.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff of Extra Mural for the amazing care they provided to Papa over the years at home.

We would also like to thank Drs LeBouthelier, Maltais, and Hache, as well as the remarkable nursing staff of the Palliative Care unit for their care and support throughout his last days.

We will miss you immensely, Papa, but we are content with the many memories that you have left us with. Rest Easy, until we are with you again.

A funeral service for Bev will be held at St Gabriels Church, Jacquet River on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 2pm. Request all legion members of Durham Branch #77 assemble at the church 10 minutes prior to the service. Funeral arrangements are in the care of MacMillan & Drapeau Funeral Home, Black Point. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis "Bev" Firlotte, please visit our floral store.