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Racenet joined the department in 1963 and served as chief from 1983-1985. He served close to 40 years before retiring in 1985 to pursue his dream of opening his own landscaping business with his son Emile Jr.
He later retired, and moved with his wife, Patricia, to Ancram, to a 25-acre farm where he enjoyed raising chickens, heifers and bees.
Racenet was born on Governor's Island and was raised in Southbury, where he graduated from high school. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1962. In 1958, he and his wife moved to Bethel, where they lived until 2002. Emile worked many years at Hayes Chevrolet in New Milford as an auto mechanic.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Patricia; his children Kathleen Lindley, Emile Racenet, Jr., and Sandra Cortopassi, his brother and sister-in-law Jules and Lavonne Racenet, his grandchildren Daniel Lindley, Elizabeth Racenet, Rachel, Michele and Jessica Petersen, and four great-grandchildren.
He was pre-deceased by a granddaughter Emily Ann Racenet.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home at 235 Main St. Southbury.
A private burial will take place at the New North Cemetery in Woodbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the Regional Hospice of Danbury, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury are requested.
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.
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