Raymond V. Descoteaux

of Fitchburg, WWII vet; 90

FITCHBURG -- Raymond V. Descoteaux, 90, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at the Highlands after an illness.

He was the husband of the late Mary (Membrino) Descoteaux who passed away in 1970. They were married in 1949.

Raymond leaves two sons, David Descoteaux and his wife, Ann, Stephen Descoteaux; three grandsons, Mark Descoteaux, Michael Descoteaux and James Descoteaux, all of Fitchburg; one brother, Roland Descoteaux of Chesapeake, VA; one sister, Lucille Wilkie of Manchester, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews.

He is also predeceased by a sister Anita Emma.

Raymond was born in Fitchburg on March 1, 1920 a son of the late Oscar and Celina (Bruneau) Descoteaux, and grew up in Leominster. He graduated from Leominster High School the class of 1938.

Mr. Descoteaux was a veteran of World War II. He served in the European Theater with the 3rd Armored Division landing on the shores of France shortly after D-Day. He participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaigns, and was awarded a Silver Battle Star.

Raymond was an Office Manager for the former Tilton and Cook Company in Leominster. After retirement he worked briefly for the Leominster Housing Authority.

He was a parishioner of Saint Anthony di Padua Church, a member of the National Association of Accountants, and a longtime member of the Sainte Jean de Baptiste social club.

Mr. Descoteaux enjoyed playing cribbage with his grandsons. He was a fan of the Red Sox, Celtics, and the Patriots.

Mr. Descoteaux's family wishes to thank the caregivers at the Highlands Care Center, where Mr. Descoteaux resided for the last four months.

DESCOTEAUX -- The Funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from the Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 243 Water Street, Fitchburg, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Anthony di Padua Church, 84 Salem Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Burial will follow in the St. Bernard's Cemetery, off St. Bernard's Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Calling Hours will be on Monday, April 19, 2010 in the Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 P.M. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Mr. Descoteaux's name to the St. Anthony di Padua Church Restoration Fund, 84 Salem St. Fitchburg, MA 01420.