George Edward Desautels, 86, passed away December 12, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield to the late Leo and Blanche Desautels, he was a lifelong Indian Orchard and Ludlow resident. He graduated from Technical High School where he met his future wife and played varsity football.
George was a faithful communicant of the former St. Aloysius/St. Jude Church in Indian Orchard and a current parishioner at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring after 25 years of service to our country. George began a 41 year career at Chapman Valve.
After the company was purchased by Crane Co., he was one of the last 11 employees. He then continued working at Crane’s site in Joliet, IL until his retirement in 1992 as Chief Draftsman. He was later hired as an employee of Conval, Inc in Somers, CT.
After the death of his dear wife, Shirley Desautels in 1968, George became an instrumental member as social director and past president of the local chapter of Parents Without Partners, an organization devoted to the welfare and interests of single parents and their children. He also served as a board member for Valley Eye Radio, which broadcasts news and information to reading impaired listeners. George was a devoted member of DopaFit which assisted him in maintaining mobility and helped him tremendously in his fight against Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to building his Ludlow home almost singlehandedly, George was an accomplished woodworker. He took great pride in the many wonderful items he created and gave as gifts to family members and friends. He leaves his loving daughters, Susan Galvin of Ludlow, Sharon Cormier and her husband Dana of Ludlow, and Sandra Desautels of West Springfield; his beloved longtime companion, Patricia Bagnall; a brother, Francis Desautels; 5 grandchildren, Jolene, Jennifer, Joseph, Brian, and James and a great-grandson, Xavier, as well as other extended family members and close friends.
Besides his wife and his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Donna Desautels and 2 brothers, Ernest and Albert Desautels. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 assembling at 9am at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave. , Springfield and proceeding to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 417 Boston Rd.
, Springfield for a Funeral Mass at 10am. Burial will be at St. Aloysius Cemetery, Indian Orchard. Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the funeral home from 2-5pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valley Eye Radio, 44 Hampden St., Springfield MA 01103 or to DopaFit, 15 College HWY, Unit C, Southampton MA 01073.
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