Albert "Al" Nash

Albert "Al" Nash, 93

LEICESTER - Albert "Al" L. Nash, a member of the Greatest Generation, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 4, 2015 at the Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. He was 93 years young.

Some men are of few words. Al Nash was not one of them. Anyone lucky enough to have met Al knows that his memory and legacy will live on in the unforgettable stories and life lessons that he loved to share so very much.

Born and raised in Millbury, he was the son of Harold and Rose Ella (Higgins) Nash. After graduating from Millbury High School he met his bride to be, 17 year old Phyllis Barbato. They were married on December 26, 1942 in Cut Bank, Montana where he was stationed while serving in the Army Air Corps.

Al Proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps, as it was called when he joined. He bravely manned the position as a tail gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress. He was humble when describing the years he was held captive during World War II. On August 4, 1943, during a routine bombing run over Naples Italy his plane was shot down. Al parachuted from the plane and was taken prisoner. He spent almost two years as a prisoner of war at Stalag XVIIB in Austria. It was punishing on the mind and body but Al persevered and made it home with a story to tell, unmatched by any other. He was awarded an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a Prisoner of War Medal, a World War II Victory Medal and a Purple Heart.

Upon returning to civilian life, Al and Phyllis settled in Worcester where he became a successful businessman, owning and operating three dry cleaning stores all located in Worcester. After relocating to Leicester, and always being interested in politics, Al began his journey in public service. He was first elected as Water Commissioner in 1961 and then to the Board of Selectman in 1964 where he served for 12 years. He then was elected as State Representative for the 7th Worcester District serving for 5 terms. During that period Al was instrumental in the formation and opening of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. He spent many years working at UMASS as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of the School of Medicine before retiring.

Al lived a very active life that included traveling whenever possible. He loved history and took special interest in the Civil War making it a point to travel to all the key battle fields around the country. He also loved Myrtle Beach and would travel there every year during the winter up until a few years ago. He owned a condo up at Hampton Beach which he also loved to visit. He traveled to his POW reunions across the country with the last one being in Myrtle Beach in 2010.

Al was a member of VFW Post 7556 in Rochdale, the Dudley-Gendron American Legion Post 414 in Sutton, and a member of American Ex-Prisoners of War Central Mass Chapter, and was a member of the Leicester Knights of Columbus, at one time being appointed Grand Knight.

He leaves his four children, Alan J. Nash and his wife Gina of Leicester, Carol A. (Nash) Wyrzykowski and Jim Nugent of Auburn, Ann M. Nash and Dana Coomey of Leicester, and Susan E.(Nash) Ward and her husband Tim of Boxford, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his Godson with whom he shared a special bond, Richard Croteau of Millbury. Al also held a special place in his heart for his always growing family of friends who meant the world to him. He was predeceased by his wife Phyllis as well as two brothers Harold Nash Jr. and Thomas Nash and two sisters Eva (Nash) Jennings and Flora (Nash) Croteau.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends and always affectionately be remembered most simply as "Grampy". We love him and we will never forget him.

Family and friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 13th at the Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main Street, Millbury. His funeral will be held Saturday, Feb. 14th from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.in St. Brigid Church, 59 Main St. in Millbury. A committal service with Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the VFW Post 7556 at 713 Pleasant Street P.O. Box 47 Rochdale, MA 01542. To leave a special message or memory for the family in Al's online condolence book please visit:

www.mulhane.com