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John E. Rouille (February 7, 1932 – May 28, 2024) was an American law enforcement officer and United States Senate staff member from Vermont. A longtime aide to Patrick Leahy during Leahy's career as a prosecutor and U.S. senator, Rouille served as United States Marshal for the District of Vermont from 1994 to 1999.

Early life

John Edward Rouille was born in Burlington, Vermont on February 7, 1932, the son of John Oliver Rouille and Beatrice Evelyn (Barber) Rouille. He was raised and educated in Burlington, and attended Burlington High School. He left high school early to join the military during the Korean War. Rouille enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1950 and spent 18 months on active duty before returning to Vermont. He served in reserve units in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York until 1958, and attained the rank of corporal.

Career

After returning from his active military service, Rouille completed his high school education at Burlington High School in 1952. He subsequently completed courses at Champlain College in Burlington. At the start of his career, he worked for several Burlington-area companies, including General Electric (1952 to 1955, 1960 to 1963), the Tulatex Corporation (1955 to 1960), and the Bader Company (1970 to 1972). He was employed by the Burlington Police Department (BPD) from 1964 to 1965, and again from 1972 to 1975. During his second stint with the BPD, he was assigned as an investigator in the office of Patrick Leahy, the state's attorney of Chittenden County.

When Leahy was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974, he hired Rouille as a member of his staff, responsible for liaison activity on veterans and military issues. In 1994, Leahy announced his intent to recommend Leo P. Blais of Essex as Vermont's U.S. Marshal, succeeding Christian Hansen Jr. When Blais withdrew from consideration, Leahy recommended Rouille, who briefly served as acting marshal while awaiting confirmation. President Bill Clinton made the appointment, which was subsequently confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Rouille served until retiring in November 1999, and was succeeded by John H. Sinclair.

Later life

After retiring, Rouille continued to reside in Burlington. He volunteered for several organizations and causes, including St. Anthony Christ the King church, South Burlington's Vet Center, and Toys for Tots.

He died in Burlington on May 28, 2024. Rouille was buried at New Mount Calvary Cemetery in Burlington.

Family

On August 1, 1953, Rouille married Joyce Marcy LaVallee (April 22, 1934–March 8, 2012). They were the parents of five children: Mary Patricia, Kathleen, Gregory, Melinda, and Jay.

References

1. "John Edward Rouille Obituary". Burlington, VT. Ready Funeral and Cremation Services. May 29, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
2. ^ "John Edward Rouille Obituary".
3. "Local Unit Honored At Station". Burlington Daily News. Burlington, VT. August 1, 1950. pp. 1, 5 – via Newspapers.com.
4. "Rouille-LaVallee Bridal Party". Vermont Sunday News. St. Albans, VT. August 9, 1953. p. 15 – via Newspapers.com.
5. "U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958, Entry for John E. Rouille". Ancestry.com. Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com, LLC. July 31, 1950. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
6. "U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958, Entry for John E. Rouille". Ancestry.com. Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com, LLC. October 31, 1955. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
7. "U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958, Entry for John E. Rouille". Ancestry.com. Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com, LLC. April 30, 1958. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
8. Vermont Secretary of State (1997). Vermont Legislative Directory and State Manual. Montpelier, VT: State of Vermont. p. 377 – via Google Books.
9. Donoghue, Mike (September 20, 1994). "Leahy aide to be nominated as marshal". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, VT. p. 1B – via Newspapers.com.
10. ^ "Leahy aide to be nominated as marshal".
11. "Vermonter is appointed acting marshal". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, VT. October 2, 1994. p. 3B – via Newspapers.com.
12. "Rouille will be sworn in Wednesday as marshal". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, VT. October 18, 1994. p. 4B – via Newspapers.com.
13. Gram, David (October 9, 1999). "U.S. Senate confirms Sinclair as marshal". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, VT. Associated Press. p. 1B – via Newspapers.com.
14. "Obituary, Joyce (LaVallee) Rouille". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, VT. March 10, 2012. p. 2B – via Newspapers.com.

• 1934 births
• 2024 deaths
• People from Burlington, Vermont
• United States Marine Corps non-commissioned officers
• Vermont Democrats
• American municipal police officers
• United States Marshals