George M. Desfosses, 84, of Salem, NH passed away Saturday, the 26th of May, at Salemhaven in Salem.
George was born in Lawrence, MA, to the late Alida (Lemay) and Pierre Desfosses. He was brother to the late Beatrice, Teresa, Elizabeth, Guertrude, and Irene, and is survived by his brother Roland and his wife Helen, of Derry, NH.
George served in the US Navy during and after World War II, aboard the minesweeper Hobson. He further served his country with the US Army during the Korean War, earning the United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medals, among others.
After the war, George started a family in Andover, MA with his late wife Gloria (Smith), and soon moved to Salem, NH, to a home where family and friends were always welcomed. He retired from a long career with Newark Atlantic Paperboard of Lawrence, where he was the Plant Superintendent. For years following his retirement, he would be called back to solve things that only George could solve. He took great pride in being needed.
George would give anything and everything he had to whomever needed it. He was never happier than when he could give you something, and he always had sweets for children. In the last few years at Salemhaven he gave out flowers to everyone, marking holidays and special occasions. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, big band music, and was a life long Patriots and Red Sox fan. He attended Mary Queen of Peace Church in Salem.
George was outgoing to everyone, but his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren and nieces and nephews, were his pride and joy. For decades, his home on Budron Avenue was a gathering place for family, friends, and the neighborhood children. He was known for his garden and, in later years, for his love of sitting on the steps, talking to passersby or simply napping in the sun. George was happiest when visiting or talking with someone, and made everyone know they were his friend.
George is survived by his five children: Robert Desfosses of Denver, CO; Garry Desfosses and wife Michele of Caribou, ME; Wayne Desfosses and wife Stacie of Dover, NH; Kathleen Moltenbrey and husband Stephen of Newmarket, NH; Darlene Stikeman and husband Jeffrey of Wakefield, MA; his brother, Roland Desfosses and wife Helen of Derry, NH; and seven grandchildren, Shawn, Ryan, Justin and Jessica Desfosses, Henry and Tucker Stikeman, and Holly Weiland.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, from 4-8 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH.
A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 10:30 AM, at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence, Road, Salem. Burial to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem, NH.
Memorial Donations in George's name may be made to the Animal Rescue League of New England, PO Box 1053, Pelham, NH 03076 www.ARNNE.org.