Francis Leo Decelles

11/01/2004

Francis Leo Decelles, 77, of 11 Balance Rock Road died yesterday morning at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. Born in Pittsfield on Jan. 26, 1927, son of W. Francis and Odilla Menard Decelles, he attended Pittsfield schools. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served as a ship's cook. Mr. Decelles was employed as an auto body repairman by several area repair shops, retiring in 1994 after 45 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the Musicians' Union and played drums in a number of bands. He and his wife, the former Shirley E. Almstead, were married June 6, 1949. Besides his wife, he leaves three sons, David F. Decelles and Robert H. Decelles, both of Pittsfield, and William F. Decelles of Lanesboro; three daughters, Lynda Brignolo, Joanne Sayers and Pamela Rathbun, all of Pittsfield; a sister, Margaret Mazur of Pittsfield; 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Francis Leo Decelles, who died Monday, Nov. 1, 2004, will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 4, at 9:30 at DERY FUNERAL HOME by the Rev. Peter A. Gregory, pastor of St. Charles' Church. Burial will follow in Mountainview Cemetery in Lanesboro. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lanesboro Fire Department or to the Lanesboro Ambulance Service, both in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mr. Decelles was predeceased by a sister, Theresa Decelles of Pittsfield.

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