Wallace Desmarais, Sr.

WORCESTER -- Wallace J. Desmarais Sr., 90, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 9, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne (Gribouski) Desmarais; and his children Linda Warren, Patricia Kozberg, Wallace "Joey" Desmarais Jr., and Jill Putis; two sisters Arlene Van Winkles and Iris "Honey" Cooper Davis; also his sons-in-law Ken Kozberg, Ronny Putis and Scott Mikelonis. He was predeceased in 2014 by a daughter, Sharon Mikelonis. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jodi Giles, Natasha Livingston, Tonia Johnson, Kareem Johnson, Phil Price III, Sarah Desmarais, Joseph Desmarais, Joseph Putis, Angie Putis, Donald Putis, Jacob Putis, and numerous great grandchildren. Wally was born in North Oxford, son of the late Joseph R. Desmarais and Florence E. (Bougois) Kelley, and lived in Worcester for many years. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving in the Aleutian and the Pacific Theaters. After the war, he worked as an auto mechanic, finishing his career at Gallo, Oldsmobile. Wally's passions were in music and love for animals. He was an accomplished guitar player, playing in numerous country-western bands in the area and started his son's musical career. His compassion for animals made him the "Dr. Doolittle" of the family and also leaves his dog, Becky. As a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and entertainer, he will be missed. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2015, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Friday, November 13, 2015, from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sweetpea For Animals, 1090 Pleasant St., Paxton, MA 01612, or to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.