FALMOUTH – Gerald W. “Buzz” Van Atta, 95, of Falmouth and a former longtime resident of Ann Street in the East Springfield section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, September 28, 2017. He passed into Eternal Life at Atria Woodbriar Assisted Living in Falmouth surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Remer, Minnesota on July 9, 1922, a beloved son of the late Clarence and Minnie F. (Bremas) Van Atta. He graduated from Remer High School and furthered his education receiving an Associate’s Degree. He served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and attained the rank of Aviation Cadet. He re-enlisted during the Korean War in the United States Air Force, attained the rank of Master Sergeant and retired in 1953 at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee. In 1954, he began a career in Inventory Control and Purchasing at the former E.B. Atmus Company in Springfield which specialized in ball bearings and roller bearings. He was a member of the National Retired Officers Association. He was a communicant of the former Saint Mary Church in East Springfield where he served his parish as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Parish Council serving on the Family Life Commission. He was also a member of the Men’s Club of the Church and coordinator of the Saint Mary Food Pantry. He leaves his beloved wife of over 70 years, Carolyn M. (Sheehan) Van Atta; his loving daughter and son-in-law, Pamela L. Longto and her husband, Vincent; his two cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey Remillard and his wife, Jennifer, and Jacquelyn Amiott and her husband, William; his two cherished great-granddaughters, Lauren and Kristen Amiott; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Van Atta and Sheehan families. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his four dear siblings, Russell, Patricia, Dorothy and Hazel. His family will receive friends on Wednesday morning, October 4, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 11 a.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. His burial will follow the service with United States Air Force Military Honors at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield, MA 01129. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
