FRANKLIN- Vincent J. DeBaggis, Sr. 87, of Franklin, died peacefully, Thursday January 17, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family following an illness. He was the beloved husband of Alma R. (Ciarlone) DeBaggis with whom he would have observed their 65th Wedding Anniversary this coming July.
Born in Franklin, February 23, 1925 a son of the late Agostino and Giulia (Patete) DeBaggis, he was a lifelong Franklin resident.
He was raised and educated in Franklin, and was a graduate of Franklin High School Class of 1943. Upon graduating he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served as a Medic in the 56th Evacuation Hospital in Italy. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Meda. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. When he returned home from the war, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College in Business Administration in 1951.
Vincent worked in the family business, The DeBaggis and D’Errico Bakery until 1971 and then became the Franklin School Business Administrator until his retirement in 1990.
A devout Catholic, he was a lifetime communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin where he served his church is numerous capacities. He was an usher, lector, religious education teacher, co-chair of the St. Rocco’s Festival, served on the finance committee and parish council. He was awarded the Bishop Cheverus Award from the Archdiocese of Boston for his dedication to the church.
He was a 4th Degree member of the Sacred Heart Council #1847 Franklin Knights of Columbus, serving as a past Grand Knight and Financial Secretary; a member & past President of the Quattro Eroi Lodge No. 1414 Order Sons of Italy, Franklin, member of the St. Anthony Society, Franklin, and the Franklin Youth Services and was a member and longtime treasurer of the Franklin Elks.
Vinnie was also dedicated to serving his community. He served on the Franklin Industrial Committee, the Franklin School Committee, the Board of Selectmen including as Chairman, the Franklin Town Council, the Fire Station Building Committee, the Horace Mann School Building Committee, the Keller Sullivan School Building Committee, where the school Library is dedicated in his name, and a member of the Board of Assessors for 23 years.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He treasured time spent with his family, baking, traveling to Italy and was an avid golfer.
In addition to his wife Alma, he is survived by his children, Roberta Trahan and her husband Roger of Franklin, his daughter-in-law Cheryl A. DeBaggis and her friend Damian Anselmo of Franklin, Vincent J. DeBaggis, Jr. and his wife Judy of Plymouth, and Lisa M. Oxford and her husband David of Franklin. He was the father of the late Agostino “Tino” DeBaggis who died in 1998.
Also surviving are his grandchildren, Agostino “Auggie” DeBaggis and his wife Stephanie, Stephen R. Trahan and his wife Gabrielle, Damien Proctor, Matthew J. Trahan, Lauren E. Kloos and her husband Ryan, Laura E. Josselyn and her companion James DeFrancisco, Meghan C. Trahan and her companion David Burdett, Nicole C. DeBaggis, Anthony M. DeBaggis, Michael J. Josselyn, Stephanie A. DeBaggis, Rebecca L. DeBaggis and Vincent J. DeBaggis III and his great grandchildren Sera I., Kira A., and Nathan R. DeBaggis & Brooke G. Trahan.
He was the brother of the late Ferdinand, Vincenzo, Emilio, Quinto, Adelio, Natalino, Anselmo, Michelina, Alexander, Florence, Mario, Victor, Agostino DeBaggis and Ermenia Manocchio.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors Monday Jan. 21st, at 9:15 AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oterifuneralhome.com with a funeral Mass in St. Jude Church 86 Main St. Norfolk at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Franklin.
Calling hours are Sunday Jan. 20th from 1-5 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Sq. Franklin, MA 02038 or Friends of Franklin 50 Corbin St. Franklin, MA 02038.