SPRINGFIELD - John E. Decoteau, 78, of the East Springfield section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on June 23, 1943, a beloved son of the late Clarence and Mary L. (DeBarge) Decoteau. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from Springfield Technical High School and was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Grade. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Basic Missileman's Badge, the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar and the Marksman Badge with Missile Bar. He was employed as a Machinist at Smith & Wesson in Springfield. Previously, he had worked at the American Bosch and Chapman Valve, both in Springfield. He was a member of Cottage Hill Church in Springfield where he also was a member of the Worship Team. During his leisure time, he could often be found tinkering around his house working on various projects. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and his many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Rosalie J. (Lariviere) Decoteau. They were married on November 16, 1963 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Springfield and were blessed with over 58 years of happiness together. He also leaves his five loving children, Roger J. Decoteau and his wife, LeighAnne, and Mary R. Alvarez and her husband, Daniel, all of Springfield, Joye E. Cavanaugh and her husband, William, of Agawam, Joseph M. Decoteau of Springfield and Sarah B. O'Shea and her husband, Sean, of Chicopee; his 12 cherished grandchildren, Zachary Decoteau and his fiancee, Jessica LaRosa, Noah, Joshua and Jordan Marie Decoteau, Christopher, Jimmy, Peter and Connie Alvarez, Alexander, Jade (Jacob) and Grace Cavanaugh and Bailey O'Shea; his cherished great grandson, Dean Cavanaugh; his dear brother, Steven Decoteau of Chicopee, his dear sister in law, Ann Marie Decoteau of Monson; his dear brother in law, Gary Lariviere of Springfield; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear brother, Ronald Decoteau; and his dear sister in law, Sherry Hall and her husband, Lauren. His family will receive friends on Friday, June 17, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service with United States Army Military Honors on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Springfield Rescue Mission, PO Box 9045, Springfield, MA 01102-9045. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
