Leroy Waters

OXFORD / COLUMBUS, OH - Leroy J. Waters, Jr., 94, formerly of Oxford, died June 16, 2009, in Columbus, OH, after a short illness. His wife of 8 years, Shelley Peaks-Waters, died Wednesday, June 17, 2009. He is survived by a step-daughter, Danielle Peaks; and two step-sons, Ronald and Michael Peaks. He is also survived by three daughters, Susan Sibley and her husband John of Oxford, Sharon Gallagher of Marlton, NJ, and Pamela Garre and her husband Russell of Oxford; seven grandchildren John and Patrick Sibley, Sean, Scott, and Meghan Gallagher, Jessie Caprioli, and Mathieu Butler; three great granddaughters, Raychel Lynn Sibley, Bianca Verdolino, and Skye Marie Gallagher; a sister, Amy Grampetro of Oxford; and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Regina (Pariseau) Waters; his parents Leroy J. Waters, Sr., and Elizabeth Waters; his two brothers Lloyd and Roland Waters; and his five sisters, Bertelle Kulakusky, Ina DesRosiers, Lila Anderson, June Czesnowski, and Jeanne Rubin. Mr. Waters graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester in 1936 and retired from National Standard Co. /Worcester Wire Division, where he was the shipping room foreman. He belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis, and was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 4241 in Oxford. He was also a charter member of the Fourth Degree John Cardinal Wright Assembly #1924. Mr. Waters was named citizen of the year in Oxford in 1981 and was organist and choir director at both St. Ann's Church in North Oxford and St. Roch's Church in Oxford. While wintering in Florida, he was also the organist at St. Jude's Church in Jupiter, FL. Mr. Waters received the American Legion Citation for Meritorious Service from both Post 4 and 38, and volunteered his services to the FISH Programs and Huguenot REACT as well. In 1968, he set up the Barbara Hardaway Scholarship Fund for Handicapped children. He was also involved in many entertainment venues at the V.A. Hospitals, Camp Caravan, and variety shows in the Worcester area. He entertained for many years along with his own orchestra at several area functions, along with entertaining at the Club Dining Room Nightclub in Oxford many years ago. Upon retirement, he obtained a winter residence in Jupiter, FL, where he worked for the Robinson Citrus Co. and received their Certificate of Appreciation for 10 years of service in 1984. He also worked for Sears at the age of 90 while residing in Ohio. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at St. Ann's Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Burial will be at a later date at St. Roch's Cemetery, Oxford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cotting School, 453 Concord Ave., Lexington, MA 02421. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.