It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Polka Hall of Famer Louis “Louie” G. Dusseault, belovedly known as “Happy Louie”, of the celebrated polka band, Happy Louie and Julcia. Louie passed away on November 26, 2021, in the presence of his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Julcia, and his eldest daughter, Denise.
A true legend and inspiration in the Polka music community who touched so many lives. Louie will be deeply missed, but his legacy and music will live on in the hearts of all his adoring family, friends, and wonderful fans.
Born on August 4, 1934 in Ware, MA, Louie developed a passion for both music and his Polish heritage from his late mother, Mary (Kmon) Dusseault, and his Polish-speaking late father, Louis G. Dusseault. Louie began his musical career as a young boy, playing his first note on a bugle at the age of 9 and forming his own band at the age of 15. Louie graduated from St. Mary's Polish Grammar School in Ware, where he learned to write and speak the Polish language. He graduated from Ware High School in 1952 and the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA in 1957.
In the fall of 1957, he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. After completing basic training, he was selected to play with the United States Military Academy Band in West Point, NY. During this time, Louie married the love of his life, Julcia (Midura) on May 3, 1958, at Immaculate Conception Church in Indian Orchard, MA.
Following his service in the military, Happy Louie and Julcia's band began to play for larger audiences across the Northeast and was featured on both radio and television. Louie and the band received a big break when they recorded four Polka albums for MGM in New York. In 1968, Louie and Julcia formed their own record company, HA-LO Records. Ha-Lo Records has released over 35 polka albums and CD's to date.
Happy Louie, Julcia and the Polka band appeared at many popular venues throughout his career, including The New York State Fair in Syracuse, and The Grand Ole Opry, and performed alongside top artists, such as the Four Saints, the Lennon Sisters and Dolly Parton.
Louie received many awards throughout the years from various polka organizations for his musical contributions. He was inducted into the IPA Polka Hall of Fame in 1982. Happy Louie, Julcia and the Polka Band received a Grammy nomination in 1995 for their recording, “Your Polka Sweethearts”. In 2012, Happy Louie and Julcia were presented with the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the USPA in Independence, Ohio.
Louie was also extremely active and had an adventurous personality. He enjoyed spending time with his family doing various activities like fishing, ice fishing, hunting, running, boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling and playing golf. He taught his children how to waterski and was a great slalom water skier. He really leaned into the water and made a big spray! Louie was also a certified private pilot and enjoyed flying. He even flew to Florida! He loved to travel and drive his bus as well.
Louie leaves behind his loving wife, Julcia, and their four children, Denise Dusseault of Norfolk, MA, Diane (Dusseault) Snyder and husband, Gordon F. Snyder, Jr. of South Hadley, MA, Dr. Louis Dusseault, Jr. and wife Kathy (Gregoire) Dusseault of Naples, FL, and David S. Dusseault and wife Amy (Manning) Dusseault of Charlotte, NC; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Roche) Stahl and husband, Jacob Stahl, Tom Dusseault, Matt Dusseault, Gabby Snyder, Dan Dusseault, Eva Snyder, Michael Dusseault, Sophie Dusseault and Henry Dusseault; 2 great-grandchildren, Claire and Miles Stahl; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Barbes of Florida; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
Louie's family wishes to thank his home care aides, Kayla, Cameron, Samantha, Helena,Yasmin and everyone from the Baystate Hospice and the wonderful staff at the Veterans Affairs in Leeds and Springfield, MA.
Family and friends will honor Louie at a period of visitation on Sunday, December 5th from 1-4 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker Street, Indian Orchard, MA ( there is elevator access). A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 6th at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker Street, Indian Orchard, MA. A private burial ceremony at Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam will follow the service. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no reception.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in honor of Louie may be made to the MJF Foundation, ATTN: Donor Services, 111 West 33rd Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10120 for TEAM HAPPY LOUIE DUSSEAULT or to a charity of one’s choice.
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