Armand "Bud" H. Demers

Armand H.“Bud” Demers, Jr., 84, of Cumberland, died on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. He was the son of the late Armand H. Sr., and Doris (Genereux) Demers and was the loving husband of the late Rita Marie (Dauphinais) Demers.

Armand had received his bachelor’s degree in French from UMASS Amherst. He worked as an Administrator for UMass Amherst for many years prior to retiring in the early 70’s. His exceptional skills with people were put to great use as Director of Student Activities. He proudly translated the published book “Searching Through The Old Records of New France.” 

Armand was a lifelong collector of many items. He saw something special in every find, leading to an abundance of both rare and everyday things. He would spend hours showing others his treasures and teaching them how to treasure the ordinary. Taking after his parents, he frequented flea markets and tag sales, combing the bins and shelves for something that, with a little work, could put a smile on someone’s face. During summers at East Matunuck he was up at the crack of dawn, metal detector in hand, scanning the sands for any sign of something buried underneath. He would return each day with a sack full of things and a sparkling mischievous glint in his eyes. He loved food too. Lobster especially, with a soft spot for some home cooked spaghetti dinner with Rita’s homemade sauce. A coffee malt wouldn’t ever be turned away.  Armand lived a long and full life committed to his family and his greater community. He leaves behind gifts of extensive family genealogy and the history of his local area.

While missing him is especially painful at this time, his warm blue eyes full of love, it also leaves us with lasting strength. Let us all feel that love as we move through our lives and remember him dearly.

He is survived by his children: John Demers and his wife Kimberly Rice, Brigid Demers and her husband Vinny Biggs, Timothy Demers, and Danielle Rae and her husband Scott Rae. Armand was an amazing Pepere to Madeleine Curtis, Oliver Demers, Beau Rae and Marley Rae. He is survived by his older sister Gloria Tancrell. Armand also leaves his loving nieces Lise Smith, Monique Bibeault and his dear nephew Marc Tancrell.

Family and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday December 29th, at 10:00 AM, at St. John Vianney Church, 3587 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland. Visiting hours will be Thursday, December 28th, from 4:00-6:00 PM in the O’Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Armand & Rita Demers’s memory may be made to either: Gender Affirming Care, PO BOX 60538, Florence MA 01062, or The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium Recover Project.