Oscar J. "Buzz" Provencher, 79, of 17 McDonald St., formerly of Worcester, died Monday, October 23 at the Life Care Center in Auburn surrounded by his family.

His wife, Pauline E. (Trottier) Provencher, died in 1990. He leaves three sons: James J. Provencher and his wife Diana of Rutland, Paul P. Provencher and his wife Lori of Spencer, with whom he lived, and John J. Provencher of Worcester; a daughter, Michelle M. "Mimi" Gleason and her husband Raymond of Leicester; two sisters, Dolores White and Alma Lefebvre, both of Worcester; 12 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Ralph "Big Dad" Provencher, died in July and a sister, Jeanne Ostaszewski, died in May. He is also predeceased by two sisters, Marie Butrym and Therese Lainer. He was born in Worcester, son of Peter and Alma (St. Germain) Provencher, and lived in Worcester most of his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and received the World War II Victory Medal. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Oscar was a police detective for many years with the Worcester Police Department and was past president of the IBPO. He played quarterback for a semi-pro football team in Germany, he was a member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post, past president of the Lincoln Sportsman Club, and an avid Red Sox fan. He also loved fishing and hunting.

The funeral will be held Friday, October 27, 2006 from Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave., Worcester, with a Mass at Notre Dame Church, Salem Square, Worcester at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are 5-8 pm on Thursday, October 26 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of the Life Care Center of Auburn for their care and support.