Gasper F. DeSantis, Jr.

Ware – Gasper F. DeSantis, Jr., 83, of Ware died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at his home.

He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Trudy (Nelson) DeSantis; his daughter Katie DeSantis-Falvo; his three grandsons, Nelson, Ivano and Lucas Falvo all of Ware; his sister, Patricia Squires of Belchertown; his Aunt Carol DeSantis of Ware, many cousins, several nieces and nephews, along with many cherished friends especially Terry Michals, Ralph and Michael Jacques, Mitch Biskup, Barry Roberts and Ryan McIntosh.  He was predeceased by his brother, John DeSantis of Ware.  He was born and raised in Ware, son of Gasper and Mildred (Podbelski) DeSantis.  Gasper attended Ware Public Schools and graduated from Ware High School, Class of 1957.

Gasper worked as an assembler and deliveryman for the former Goldstein & Gurwitcz - Streeter Equipment in Ware.  He also worked for the Ware Highway Department along side his father and uncles.  Later he drove a cement mixer for A. Giard and Sons, in Ware. 

Mr. DeSantis was drafted into the US Army and stationed at West Point Military Academy in New York in the 50th Engineer Company.  He joined the 404 Teamster Union and drove for D&M Oil Company and Douglas Transport of Ware.

Although he had a love for trucks, he also enjoyed operating heavy equipment.  Gasper joined Local 98 Operating Engineers Union until his retirement.  His true passion though, were his horses.  He had horses all his life from ponies to Belgian Draft Horses,  and was a  member of the Eastern Draft Horse Association for many years.  He competed in many shows, parades receiving numerous trophies and ribbons for his outstanding horsemanship.

He was a man of many talents especially in farm equipment, mechanics, carpentry and fabricating.  He was a good neighbor and would always check in to see if they were okay or needed a helping hand.

His greatest accomplishment was his hobby farm that he built from the ground up and is now passed on to his three grandsons, Nelson, Ivano and Lucas to carry on and continue his legacy. 

A Funeral Mass for Gasper will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11:00AM in  St. Mary’s Church, 60 South Street in Ware.  A Calling Hour will be held prior to mass from 9:30 to 10:30AM in Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street in Ware.   At the request of the family and their love for all in attendance, masks will be required during these services.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gasper, Jr’s name to St. Mary’s Church, 60 South Street, Ware, MA, 01082 or to the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 643 Burritt Street, New Britain, CT, 06053 c/o Reverend Mother Janice.

Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware is assisting  family with arrangements. 

An online guest book is available at charbonneaufh.com

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