SPENCER: Louis J. “Pete” Muzzrall, Jr., 87, of Jolicoeur Avenue died Saturday, May 26 in St. Vincent Hospital after being stricken ill.
His wife Loretta V. (Laroche) Muzzrall died in 2008. He leaves two daughters Susan L. Lacaire and her husband Donald of Spencer and Lissa J. Mooradd and her husband Peter of South Hadley, two grandchildren Corey Lacaire and his wife Shelly of Spencer and Justine Barnes and her husband Ronald Jr. of East Brookfield, six great-grandchildren Casey, Nolan, Alexis, Kane, Colton Louis and Addison. He was pre-deceased by a grandson Lucas Lacaire.
Mr. Muzzrall was born in East Brookfield, son of Louis J. and Eva (LeRoi) Muzzrall, Sr. He was raised in North Brookfield by his aunt & uncle Telux & Alice LeBlanc the former owners of the mosquito ballroom. He served his country in the United States Navy. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 to fight for his country in World War II. While serving on the USS Reno he was wounded in battle twice. He was blown out of his gun turret when a Kamikaze Pilot hit the ship; he was the only survivor of the turret. One and a half months later, he was again wounded when the USS Reno was hit by a torpedo. He was transferred by Hospital ship to Guadalcanal and then to a Naval Hospital in the States. Following his recovery he was discharged from the Navy and received 2 purple Hearts. He was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the Gaudette-Kirk American Legion Post 138. For many years he and his wife bred and raised Beagles. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, cross country skiing; New England sports teams and taking trips to Atlantic City. At one time he served on the East Brookfield Fire Department.
The Funeral will be held Thursday, May 30 from J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 10:00AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church Street, Spencer. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 29 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Central MA Chapter for Homeless Veterans, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.