Laconia------Delphis "Del" J. Vermette 90, of Adams Street, died Monday November 21, 2016 at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center surrounded by his loving family.
Del was born December 7, 1925 in Laconia, son to the late Delphis G. and Leona (Girouard) Vermette.
In 1943, with the permission of his parents, Del enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and proudly served on board the USS Alaska (CB-1) in the Pacific theater until 1945. Del continued his commitment to his country and fellow veterans as a Life Member of the Lakes Region Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
Del had a passion for working with his hands and building. After his military commitment he returned home and apprenticed as a carpenter. Del started his own business, Del Vermette Carpentry, which he ran for many years throughout the Lakes Region. Because of his love and enjoyment of building Del worked well into his 80's always taking winters off to ski.
Del had a real zest for life; he started scuba diving in 1960 and participated in the Navy's under water laser testing for SCRIPTS at Diamond Island. He continued to dive for many years with the same group of individuals who turned out to be lifelong friends. Del was also a long time motorcycle enthusiast, riding both dirt and street. He was also an accomplished and avid skier, having traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Austria and France. Del had many great adventures with his many friends while part of the New Hampshire Ski club.
Del also enjoyed the simpler pleasures of fishing, hunting and shooting, having later learned how to reload his own ammunition. He was most proud of his time in the Marine Corps (once a Marine, always a Marine) and adored spending time with his family and many friends.
Del is survived by his son, Del E. Vermette and his wife, Lisa of Berwick, ME, daughter, Patricia Robbins and her husband Dave of Londonderry, stepson, Paul Rhodes and his wife, Donna of Minneapolis, MN; 3 grandchildren, Jeremy Vermette of Wolcott, CT, Joshua Vermette of Durango, CO and Chad Vermette and his wife, Rena of Bridgewater, NH; 6 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Theresa "Tweet" Twombly and Dorothy "Dottie" Nachbaur both of Laconia and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his first wife, Rita (Hughes) Vermette, His second wife, Yvonne (Vallincourt) Vermette and his sister, Bernadine "Bunny" Sonia.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 2:00-4:00pm at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Andre Bessette Parish-St. Joseph Church, 30 Church St. Laconia NH.
Burial will be Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 10:00am at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH, family and Friends are welcome to attend.
For those who wish memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham MA 02451.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information or to sign an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.