Frank Xavier RENAUD "THE GREAT RENO"
Obituary

Southbridge Man Gained Fame as Escape Artist

SOUTHBRIDGE - Francois X. Renaud, Jr., 74, of 986 West Main St., who gained nationwide fame in the early 1900's as a professional escape artist, died yesterday at Harrington Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Renaud was known professionally as "The Great Reno" and performed escape tricks outdoors and in theaters from coast to coast. He was a friend of the late Harry Houdini, world-renown escape artist and later worked with Houdini's troupe.

He became an escape artist at the age of 18 and through the ensuing years amassed a collection of some 400 restraining irons including handcuffs, padlocks and chains. His collection was reputed to be one of the world's largest.

In the late 1920's, Mr. Renaud performed one of his greatest feats for local residents when, cuffed and chained, he leaped off River Street bridge. Within minutes he freed himself and returned to shore.

With Circus

He also toured the country with Hunt Brothers Circus for three seasons, performing his escape feats for circus crowds.

Born in Southbridge, he was the son of the late Francois X. and Sophie (Lamothe) Renaud. He was the husband of Evan (Gendron) Renaud.

Besides his widow he leaves a daughter, Mrs. Leo Morin of Southbridge; four sons, Frank and George of Southbridge; Leo of Mississippi and Albert of Texas; a brother, George Renaud of Southbridge, 23 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday at a time to be announced.

Calling hours at the Ernest Tetreault Funeral Home are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 today, tomorrow and Sunday.


Worcester Daily Telegram
Worcester, Massachusetts
January 29, 1965

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