William A. Gaines

William A. Gaines of Enfield entered into eternal life at the age of 86 with his loving family at his side on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in the comfort of his home.

He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Belinda (Provencher) Gaines. William was born on June 18, 1927, in Springfield, son of the late Arthur T. and Theresa (Cullinan) Gaines O'Connor and had resided in Enfield most of his life. He served his country honorably with the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Tanguay Magill Post 80, Enfield. Prior to retiring, William was employed with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for over 30 years. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, skiing, and golfing, but his greatest joy was spending time with family especially his grandchildren. He was an avid New York Giants, New York Yankees and UConn Huskies basketball fan.

Besides his wife Belinda, he is survived by his loving family, daughter, Laurie Flamino and husband, David, of Ellington, and their children, Mary L. and David D.; daughter, Theresa Sniffin and life partner, Ray Leopardi, of Enfield, and son, Russell Sniffin Jr.; daughter, Valerie Colby of Enfield and children, Gary L. Colby Jr. (Donna) and Carolyn T. Kidney (Phil); son, William A. Gaines Jr. and wife, Pamela, of Enfield, and children, Olivia M. and Celina R. Gaines. He is also survived by his siblings, Jean Kelly of Westfield, Mass., Thomas Gaines of East Longmeadow, Mass., Susan O'Connor of Springfield; and was predeceased by brother, Lawrence O'Connor and wife, Mildred. He is also survived by his in-laws (Belinda's family), Edward Provencher Jr., Richard Provencher (deceased), (Erline), Marlene Marek (Raymond), Theodore Provencher (Nancy), Timothy Provencher (Barbara), Jean Bassett (Robert), Jeris Griffin (John), John Provencher (Geraldine), Glenn Provencher, Deborah Sidway (Michael), Gary Provencher (Katherine); sister-in-law, Robyn Provencher (deceased), and James Provencher (Debra); along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends may gather with his family during calling hours on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield.

The funeral procession will form at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at the funeral home to St. Patrick Church for a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow with military honors in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, Mass.

Memorial donation in his memory may be made to St. Patrick Church, 64 Pearl St., Enfield, CT 06082; or to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300C, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

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