Odessa A. Daoust, 104

DALTON, Mass. — Mr. Odessa A. Daoust, 104, of Dalton, Mass., and a former resident of Pittsfield, Mass., passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018, at Berkshire Medical Center.  

He was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on September 23, 1913, a son of J. Mathias and M. Mathilda (Larche) Daoust. He attended Pittsfield schools and graduated from Pittsfield High School in January of 1931. Mr. Daoust was first employed at GE in its Plastics Division, and then worked in its Power Transformer department for 39 years, until his retirement in 1976.

He was a communicant of the former Notre Dame Church, and a former member of the GE Quarter Century and Pensioners Club, and was its past secretary-treasurer. Odessa was a member of the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center. He volunteered with R.S.V.P. and at the Berkshire Museum. He served as a director for the Council on Aging since 1978, and was its secretary for sixteen years. He was also a member of its executive board and advocacy sub-committee, and served as the chairman of its annual senior ball. 

Odessa served on the Silver Hair Legislature as a State Representative for the third district from 1980-1993, when he was named State Senator for the Silver Hair Senate at the State House in Boston. In 1999, he was appointed by Congressman John Olver to the Silver Hair Congress in Washington, D.C. 

Odessa was a member of the Advisory Board of Elder Services of Berkshire County for eight years, from 1990-1998, and was an Associate County Commissioner for Elder Affairs in Berkshire County. He was a life member of the Marian Helpers and a former treasurer of Notre Dame Bingo. 

His wife was Antoinette M. (Cianfarini) Daoust, who died October 16, 2008. They were married July 25, 1936 in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Survivors include one son, Robert A. Daoust, and his wife, Lorraine of Pinehurst, N.C.; one daughter, Phyllis A. Lozo and her husband, Charles, of Pittsfield; nine grandchildren, including Alan Daoust, Thomas Daoust, Karen DiCarlo, Deborah Emmerson, Stephen Daoust, Theresa Daoust, Colonel Christopher Lozo, Adam Lozo and Nathan Lozo.; 12 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his son, Philip A. Daoust; and three sisters, including Marie Cullen, Lucille George and Alma Premerlani.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Odessa Daoust will be celebrated Thursday, May 24, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Dalton with Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta officiating.  Burial will follow in the family lot in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Pittsfield.  

There are no calling hours. The omission of flowers is requested by the family. The Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home at 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, Mass., is in charge of arrangements.