George "Smiley" Desroches Jr.

George H. Desroches, Jr. 1934 - 2012 CHICOPEE - George H. "Smiley" Desroches, Jr. died at home on Tuesday, May 15th, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicopee on April 29, 1934, he was the son of the late George and Rose (Fournier) Desroches, Sr. and lived in Chicopee all of his life, mostly in the Aldenville section. George attended Chicopee Trade School and later enlisted in the Army and was a Private First Class. He was employed as a truck driver by Shur-Fine Foods for 28 years retiring in 1989 with a perfect driving record. After retiring, he stayed active by working at the Knights of Columbus on Granby Road as a custodian. Known by most of his friends and fellow organization members as "Smiley", George was a member of the Teamsters Local 559, the Tigers Athletic Club, AmVets Post 12, the Knights of Columbus Council #69, and the American Legion Post #337. He was also a communicant and altar server at St. Rose de Lima Church. Smiley enjoyed playing Keno and also was an avid sports fan, cheering especially for the Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves. He will be sadly missed by his family and his many dear friends. George leaves two sons, David and his wife Tina of Chicopee, and Donny and his wife Sharon of Florida; three daughters, Terry Clapp and her companion Dennis Moreau of Chicopee, Shelley Aubuchon and her husband Scott of Springfield, and Tricia Beaudreault and her husband Dave of Chicopee; 12 grandchildren, Joe and April Desroches, Kelly and Anthony Desroches, Eric Clapp and his wife Momoko, Nikki, Jordan, Melissa and Emily Aubuchon, and Kyle, Mike and Danielle Beaudreault; 2 great grandchildren, Alexander Clapp and Levi Aubuchon. He also leaves several nieces and nephews who affectionately called him "Uncle Mimi". George was predeceased by his first wife Janet (Valcourt) Desroches in 2002 and a grandson James Aubuchon in 1991. Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 22, 2012, from 4pm - 7pm followed by a service in the parlor at 7pm at the Tylunas Funeral Home 159 Broadway, Chicopee. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 23, at 11am in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery in Aldenville. Donations to Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice c/o Baystate Health Foundation 280 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01199. For further information or directions please visit tylunas funeral home.com Tylunas Funeral Home 413 592-0148