Jesse F. Waugh

Jesse F. Waugh
Decorated WWll Veteran;
Beloved husband, inspiring dad

FITCHBURG, MA -- Jesse F. Waugh, 90, of Fitchburg, passed away Friday, February 1, 2013, at home with his wife and daughter by his side.

Born December 1, 1922, in Hillsboro, Alabama, he was the second son of 13 children of the late Atlee and Susie (Peopples) Waugh. Enlisting in the Big Red One First Infantry, he came to Massachusetts in 1939 through assignment to Fort Devens where he met the love of his life, Florence (Santerre). They were married three days after Pearl Harbor on December 10, 1941, at Fort Devens, where he was stationed. With his loving and faithful wife waiting at home, Jesse served overseas and was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and two Purple Heart Medals for his valiant acts during WWII. He was the recipient of the American Defense Medal as well as the African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon. During his campaign in North Africa, Jesse was a prisoner of war. Jesse was a 50 year contributing member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Upon his return home, Jesse owned and operated Waugh's Service Station for many years with his wife. On his uniform he displayed his motto of "Keep Smiling," which was a small reflection on his constantly positive attitude. He was also a Cottage Master of the Shirley Industrial School for Boys and later a Crew Boss for the Montachusett Youth Council, helping children earn money by working on the local parks and playgrounds. Jesse retired as the only Fitchburg Park Police Officer. This position included patrolling and policing the local parks and playgrounds of the city.

Coming from a long history of farming in his family, Jesse always had a love and respect of the land and all of nature's animals. Until the age of 83, he raised and cared for a large garden, always sharing and giving away his abundance of fresh vegetables. Jesse was a generous, sensitive and loving soul, who had a passion for education and its significance. A voracious reader himself, Jesse loved to stay current on politics and government, always learning from his multiple newspapers. Another passion he shared was cars and new gadgets. Jesse had many talents, including his mechanical skills; a true jack of all trades. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his kind spirit and making everyone he met a friend.

He leaves his loving wife and true sweetheart of 71 years, Florence (Santerre) Waugh of Fitchburg; his daughter, proudest accomplishment, and retired superintendant of schools, Jessica Waugh of Fitchburg; cousins, Lucille Finneron of Lunenburg, and Beatrice Belliveau of Naples, FL; many nieces and nephews.

Jesse was predeceased by several siblings.

Jesse's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the offices of Dr. Wolejko, Dr. Fay, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Monnely (Boston VA), and Dr. Meyers (Worcester VA). A heartfelt thanks also goes out to the compassionate staff of the Health Alliance Home Health and Hospice for allowing the Waughs to stay a family for a little bit longer. They would also like to recognize and thank the French Connection for their kind help, and all friends and relatives in their time of need.

WAUGH -- The funeral will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery. A calling hour will precede the service in the funeral home from 10:00-11:00 A.M. The commemorating ride through his beloved Coggshall Park with the placing of memorial flowers at the Stone House will be held at a later date due to inclement weather. Flowers may be sent or memorial donations may be made to the Health Alliance Home Health and Hospice, 25 Tucker Drive, Leominster MA 01453; or to the Fitchburg Animal Shelter, 939 High Rock Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420; or the City of Gardner Animal Shelter Fund, 95 Pleasant St., Rm. 29 Gardner, MA 01440.