John J Deslauriers

John  J.  Deslauriers, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 15, 2016. He was a lifelong resident of Ware. He was born on May 18, 1929 , the son of Edward and Ruth Deslauriers. He attended Ware Public Schools, graduating from high school in 1947, where he played varsity football. After high school he attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass. He served in the US Army in Korea from Feb. 23, 1951 to March 7, 1953. On Sept. 18, 1954 he married his loving wife of 61 years, Ellen M. (Oberg) Deslauriers and soon began their family raising two children. John worked for the Town of Ware Forestry Dept. for a few years, and then began a long career as a brick mason for many local contractors. He had recently received a 50 year continuous membership award in the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman , Local #3, serving Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. During his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, target shooting, and golf. In later years he enjoyed listening to Jazz, watching football and reading . His interest was in history, American Folk Art and sports collectables. Lots of time was spent outdoors on the patio with his loving wife relaxing amongst the beautiful shrubs and trees he had planted and the beautiful stone walls he had built. John leaves his loving wife Ellen M. (Oberg) Deslauriers, his 2 children Peter of New Salem and Joel of Ware, a brother Paul and his wife Kathryn of Ware, as well as extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Edward Deslauriers. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday Feb. 19th at 11am in All Saints Church, North St. Ware. Calling Hours will be held on Friday from 10 to 10:30 am at the Charbonneau Funeral Home , 30 Pleasant St. in Ware. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ware Young Men's Library Assoc., All Saints Church or to the Ware Senior Center.