Wilfred F. Lemire

Wilfred F. Lemire 1925-2009   Wilfred Francis Lemire, 83, of Indian Orchard, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2009 surrounded by his loving family in Baystate Medical Center.  Born in Ludlow and a resident of Indian Orchard for most of his life, he was the son of the late Edward and Philomene (Girard) Lemire.  Wilfred was a retired (45) year draftsman for the former Chapman Valve-Crane Co., of Indian Orchard.  He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the U. S. Navy.  A Yeoman Second Class he served aboard the USS Bennington (CV-20) and the USS Yorktown (CV-10).  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Wilfred was a man who lived a wonderful life.  He loved his family and adored his grandchildren.  He loved to travel and especially was fond of his trips to Maine and fly fishing.  For many years he made and enjoyed many friends at the swimming and exercise club at the Sheraton in Springfield.  To all who knew him Wilfred was certainly a cribbage player extraordinaire.  He was a communicant of St. Jude Church in Indian Orchard.  Wilfred was predeceased by his wife, Doris B. (Chouinard) Lemire in 1989.  He leaves his son, Dr. David F. Lemire and his wife Deborah of Livermore Falls, ME; a brother, Eugene C. Lemire and his wife Phyllis of Indian Orchard, a sister, Rachel A. Day and her husband John of Springfield; (2) grandchildren, Angela R. Lemire and Grant D. Lemire; his loving companion Barbara Gaffron of Springfield and many nieces, nephews and friends.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from the Ratell Funeral Home 200 Main St., Indian Orchard at 9 a.m. followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Jude Church at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Indian Orchard.  Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. For Guest Book www.ratellfuneralhome.com Ratell Funeral Home (413) 543-3836