Andre G. Demers, 94, of Manchester died December 24, 2007 at Bel-Air Nursing Home in Goffstown after a period of declining health.
Born in Manchester on July 14, 1913, he was the son of Ernest and Cora (Desfosses) Demers. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester.
During World War II he served as a civilian employee with the Department of the Army at Grenier Air Force Base in Manchester. He also served as a Civil Defense Warden.
Mr. Demers was a well known local painting contractor who painted the homes of many of Manchester’s leading figures.
He was a charter member of the Alpine Club Drum & Bugle Corps where he played the bugle for 50 years. He proudly marched in the inaugural parade for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Washington, DC.
He was married to Rebecca “Becky” (Marcoux) Demers who died in 2004.
IN HIS LIFE: He volunteered with many civic organizations including the Manchester Harriers, Boy Scout Troop 118, New Hampshire Catholic Charities and at the information desk at the Manchester City Hall.
He was a former member of the Manchester Fly & Bait Casting Club, and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Mr. Demers was a devout Catholic and a long time communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Born to a family of 12, he spread joy and goodwill wherever he went. All were welcome in his home, regardless of race, creed or national origin. Whenever shopping in a grocery store he would greet every child with a “Give me five”. All were God’s children in his eyes.
He was known for his good cheer and warm feelings for fellow seniors and staff alike at the Easter Seals Adult Day Care and at Bel-Air Nursing Home. When things were not going well for him, he would say “I make it a good day”. He ended any telephone conversation with "God bless you".
The family includes two sons, Lt. Col. Maurice A. Demers (ret) and his wife, Elaine of Goffstown and Dr. Denis G. Demers and his wife, Margaret of Bohemia, NY; three grandchildren, Brian P. Demers of Lincolnville, ME, Elizabeth A. Campochiaro of Delmar, NY and Joseph A. Demers of Beirut, Lebanon and New York, NY; two sisters, Jeannette L’Heureux of Haines City, FL and Rachel St. Cyr of Manchester; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday December 28, 2007 at St. Anthony Church, 172 Belmont St., Manchester. Committal prayers followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.
Donations may be made to Easter Seals of NH, 555 Auburn St., Manchester, NH 03103, or to NH Catholic Charities, 215 Myrtle St., Manchester, NH 03104.