Leo Deschenes, Jr.

WEBSTER - Leo R. Deschenes, Jr, 62, of Lakemont Road, died Monday, January 18, 2010, in his home after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 42 years and best friend, Valerie J. (Lacas) Deschenes of Webster, who always managed to make his life better in trying times; two daughters, Tammy A. Lamica and her husband Chris of Charlton, and Bonnie J. Miglionico and her husband Jason of Dudley; a brother, Michael A. Deschenes and his wife Debbie of Webster; his baby sister, Pamela L. Devin and her husband Greg of Holden; four grandchildren, Paige, Nathan, Lucas, and Jayden; three nephews and two nieces. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Leo R. and Mildred L. (Pickett) Deschenes, Sr., and lived in Oxford before moving to Webster over 40 years ago. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard for over 20 years. Mr. Deschenes worked at Wyman-Gordon Company in Worcester and North Grafton for 17 years, retiring in 1999. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 58 in Oxford and was a former member of the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard. He considered his family and grandchildren the most important part of his life. A funeral will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010, from Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Louis Church, 15 Lake St., Webster. Military burial will follow at North Cemetery, Oxford. Calling hours are Wednesday, January 20, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UMass Memorial Foundation, c/o Cancer Research Fund, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613, or go to www.firstgiving.com/bonniemiglionico.