Albert J. Desmarais

Albert J. Desmarais
Formerly of Lowell, was plumber; 86

BILLERICA -- Albert J. Desmarais, a resident of Billerica, formerly the Centralville section of Lowell, and beloved husband of the late Loris V. (Crabb) Desmarais, passed away on Monday January 11, 2016, with his family by his side. He was 86.

Born in Lowell on June 10, 1929, he was a son of the late Hector N. and Margaret B. (Votour) Desmarais.

Al graduated from Lowell High School Class of 1947 and enlisted in the Army National Guard. He served with Company D 182nd Infantry RCT and was the company section leader. Al was honorably discharged in 1956 having attained the rank of Sgt 1c.

He was a member of the Town of Dracut Fire Department, serving as a call fireman with Company 2 from 1950 until the town switched to a full time department.

Al was a Master Plumber and a licensed oil burner technician in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. He owned and operated Desmarais & Sons Plumbing for many years. He was a former member of the Lowell Master Plumbers Association, Merrimack Valley Master Plumbers Association, and past president of the former West Centralville Business Men's Association.

Al was a communicant of the former St. Louis de France Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the St. Louis Circle Club, St. Louis Holy Name Society, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul there. Since the parish closing, Al has been a member of St. Michael Parish.

Al was a past member of the Dracut Knights of Columbus Council 4225. He served as a Faithful Navigator and past Faithful Navigator of 4th degree Bishop Delaney General Assembly of Lowell.

Al wanted to be sure his family thanked Dr. David Pickul and Dr. James Waters for their exceptional care given to him during these last several years.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery and Jean Desmarais of Lowell, Jason and Annette Desmarais of Pleasant Valley, NY; three daughters, Ginger Desmond of Litchfield, NH, Jill Woods of Billerica, Gina Spicer of Lowell; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Kenneth and Anne Desmarais of Baltimore, MD, Richard Desmarais of Searsport, ME; a sister and brother-in-law, Agnes and George Adams of Dracut; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Louise Johnson, Edmund "Jim" Desmarais, Robert Desmarais, Rita McDonald. Al was also the father-in-law and sidekick of the late John Woods, who died October 9, 2015.

DESMARAIS -- Relatives and friends are invited to Al's Life Celebration in the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, from 3 until 7 PM on Thursday. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:30 AM at St. Michael Church, 543 Bridge St. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations in Al's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For directions and condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com