Francis J. Brazeau, 78
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Francis Julien Brazeau, 78, 205 East Main St. died Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at Williamstown Commons.
Born in North Adams, son of Edward and Rachel Perreault Brazeau, he attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School, where he was a three-sport athlete.
He served with Company K, Massachusetts National Guard, at the former North Adams Armory.
Mr. Brazeau was employed with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier from 1966 until retiring in 1992. He was first employed at the former Sprague Electric Co. and later managed a Mobil gas station on Ashland Street until it was taken for urban renewal.
He was a communicant of the former St. Francis of Assisi Church. He was an avid golfer in the summer and bowler in the winter. He was a former member of the American Chess Federation and participated in many tournaments. In the 1960s, he was a member of the International Association of Basketball Officials and refereed many high school and semi-pro basketball games. Mr. Brazeau also was a member of the Hairpin Turners Square Dance Club and was a past president and treasurer. He was a former member of the North Adams Elks and a member of the Northern Berkshire Retired Men's Club, of which had also been president.
He and his wife, the former Caroline Ritcher, were married on Sept. 12, 1953, in the former Notre Dame Church.
Besides his wife, he leaves three daughters, Susan Brazeau of Adams, Nancy Bush of North Adams and Doreen Garvie of Pownal, Vt.; two sons, Francis Brazeau of Dalton and Brian Brazeau of the town of Florida; two sisters, Beatrice Bissaillon and Roma Morris, both of North Adams; three brothers, Edmond Brazeau of Williamstown, and Eldor G. "Pete" Brazeau and Paul Brazeau, both of North Adams; 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
His brothers Vincent, Valmore, Raymond and Charles Brazeau are deceased.
FUNERAL NOTICE - The funeral for Mr. Brazeau will be Tuesday Sept. 7, at 8:15 from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9 from St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will be at a later date in Southview cemetery.
Calling hours will be Monday, Sept. 6, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA and Hospice of Northern Berkshire in care of the funeral home.