John DeVarennes

1928 - 2011

LEE - John Edward DeVarennes, 82, of St. Mary's Ave. in Lee, died peacefully at his home on Friday surrounded by his family.
Born on Sept. 3, 1928, in Lynn, son of Edward and Della Goguen DeVarennes, he was a 1946 graduate from St. Mary's High School in Lynn where he met his wife of 60 years, Rita A. Belliveau.
Mr. DeVarennes joined the Navy and served as an electrician's mate aboard the USS Vulcan from 1946-1948. After the service he went to work for General Electric as a machinist in Lynn and later settling in a job as manager in the ordinance department of the Pittsfield General Electric retiring in 1988 after 40 years of service.
Mr. DeVarennes was a communicant of St. Mary's Church where he was a Lector and member of its society for perpetual adoration. He was very active in the Lee Community serving the town as a Selectman and Town Representative. He was on the School Committee, Finance Committee, High School Building Committee, a coach for Junior football, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus and Boy Scout Troop leader #54.
Besides his wife, Rita, John is survived by eight children, John J. DeVarennes and his wife Mary Lynn of Lee, Mary Rossi and her husband Ed of Lee, Theresa Collins and her husband Terrance of South Lee, Jean Brighenti and her husband James of Lee, Norene Malumphy and her husband Walter of Lee, Susan Hicks of Colorado, James DeVarennes of Lee, Michael DeVarennes and his wife Kathleen of Lee; also 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by another daughter Ann Hawkins and a grandson Garrett DeVarennes.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for John DeVarennes will be on Wednesday at 9:15 from the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Church in Lee. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday evening from 4-7 at the funeral home.
Friends wishing may make donations in his memory to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or St. Mary's Church in C/O the Kelly Funeral Home 3 Main Street Lee, MA 01238. If you would like to leave a message of condolence for the family, you may do so in The Book of Memories at www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
[]