WORCESTER__Francis A. Degutis, 86, died Wednesday, February 14, in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus. He leaves his wife of 48 years, Adele M. (Ivaska) Degutis. He also leaves nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brothe,r Whitney Schuka, and five sisters, Agnes McCarthy, Anna Johnson, Adele Griffin, Ruth Grace and Pauline Degutis. He was born in Worcester, the son of Andrew and Agnes (Grigaitis) Degutis and lived in Worcester all his life.
Mr. Degutis was a heat treater for many years working for New England Malleable Iron and later from Mass Steel Treating. He retired many years ago. He was a US Navy veteran of World War II serving on the USS Bollinger in the Asiatic Pacific theater. He graduated from Classical High School and attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Francis was a member of St. Casimir’s Church where he was a lector and a choir member. He was also a member of St. Casimir Men’s Club and held the position of treasurer for 30 years. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Lithuania, Council 26, the Lithuania Charitable Society and the Lithuania Art Circle. Francis was also a member of the Greendale Retired Mens’ Club where he was first tenor in their choir and on the bowling team.
The funeral will be held on Friday, February 16, from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton Street, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Casimir Church, 41 Providence Street. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Friday, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The Knights of Lithuania, Council 26, will meet at 9:00 a.m. to conduct their ritual. The family requests that flowers be omitted.