WEBSTER – Ovila L. “Pancho” Pelletier, 92, died Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at home with his son at his side. His wife and lifelong companion of 45 years, Dorothy M. (Shurick) Pelletier, died in 2011.
He leaves a son, Bryan Pelletier of Webster, his wife Sharon Pelletier, and 2 loving grand- daughters, Michaela & Desiree Pelletier. He had many wonderful sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. He was preceded in death by 3 sons, Robert J. Pelletier in 1984, Bruce A. Pelletier in 1997 and Kevin F. Pelletier in 2010, by 8 brothers, Anthony, Ralph, Clarence, Emil, Leonard, Armand, Wilfred “Junior” and Theodore Pelletier and by 2 sisters, Dorothy Lusignan and an infant, Claire Pelletier.
He was born and raised in Webster, a son of Wilfred and Louisa (Nadeau) Pelletier, Sr. He was proud of his French Canadian heritage. He attended Saint Anne’s School, and was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Webster.
Mr. Pelletier had a tremendous work ethic. He worked at Packard Mills and then at Borden Confectionery Co. in No. Grosvenordale for 18 years, where he was a cocoa bean roaster. He was later employed at Bay Path Technical School in Charlton for 10 years before retiring in 1991. He also helped in maintenance at his brother’s Mohegan Bowl-A-Drome for almost 50 years.
Mr. Pelletier and 4 of his brothers (Armand, Clarence, Theodore and Wilfred) proudly served their country during WWII. An Army veteran, he served as an aircraft gunner aboard a merchant marine transport ship. He received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, and the European, African and Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon.
Mr. Pelletier was an avid sun worshiper who loved spending time at Hampton Beach. He was an accomplished figure skater and tap dancer. He also enjoyed bowling, boating, and was a car enthusiast.
The funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 13, at 11:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street (please meet at the church).Visitation will be Friday, February 12, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to All Saints Academy (formerly St. Anne’s Elementary School), P.O. Box 818, Webster, MA 01570-0818.