Richard Degere

Richard Degere 1928 - 2008 ADAMS Richard W. Degere, 80, formerlly of 75 Commercial St., and a native of Adams, passed away peacefully at the Vernon Hall Nursing Home of Cambridge on Friday, Oct. 31, after an 11-year bout with cancer. Known as "Digger" Degere to his many friends and associates, he was born in Adams on June 28, 1928, son of Alfred and Yvonne Johnson Degere. He attended Adams schools. He subsequently enlisted in the Army Jan. 2, 1946 at Fort Devens and served his country in the Phillipine Islands with the Medical 311th Engineer Detachment. He was honorably discharged at Fort Custer, Mich., on May 4, 1947. Returning to civilian life, Mr. Degere was employed for 25 years at the former L.L. Brown Paper Co. of Adams in its finishing dept. He was then employed for the next 17 years with the former W.R. Grace Co. as a machine technician, retiring from the work force in 1990. He was also well known as a caterer in the area during the 60's and 70's. He was an avid gardener and especially enjoyed Red Sox baseball. In his younger years, "Digger" Degere was a well known softball pitcher using his skills in the Adams Softball League. He was a communicant of Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church of the Adams Roman Catholic Parish. His wife of 43 years, the former Lorraine N. Gagnon, whom he married May 17, 1958, died Jan. 27, 2001. He was a life member and longtime Treasurer of the Maple Grove Civic Club and also a member of Adams Post 160, American Legion. He was past president and treasurer of the former Cartier Club of Adams. Digger Degere leaves one son, Glenn E. Degere of Lexington; two sisters, Helen Milne of Lexington and Shirley Remillard of North Adams, and his brother -and sister-in-law, Donald and Carmen Gagnon of Pittsfield; leaves 15 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Frances J. Degere, Robert M. Degere, and R. James Degere, and by two sons, Mark J. Degere and Gary E. Degere. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Richard Degere will be offered Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. in Notre Dame Church. The family will welcome friends and relatives on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the MCBRIDE FUNERAL HOME, which is conducting the service. The family suggests donations to The Compassionate Care Hospice, 800 West Cumines Park Suite 400, Woburn, MA 01801