Louis A. Belair, beloved husband of the late Violet C. Belair, died Sunday, March 24, 2007, at the Harborside Healthcare Maplewood Manor Nursing Home in Amesbury.
He was 90 years old.
One of nine children, he was born on April 7, 1916, a beloved son of the late Napoleon and Alma Belair. Mr. Belair lived most of his life in Lawrence before moving to Byfield several years ago.
He was an infantry sergeant with the U.S. Third Army Fifth Division during WWII and had seen considerable combat action in Europe. Among his awards were the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Belgian Croix de Guerre and numerous others. He was most proud of his Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Upon his discharge, the Boston Traveler, a popular newspaper of the time, called him “The most decorated WWII veteran in New England”.
Following the war, Mr. Belair was the proprietor of Lou’s Atlantic Service in Methuen and later the New England Automotive Warehouse in Cambridge.
Mr. Belair was the beloved husband of the late Violet C. Belair, with whom he enjoyed 48 years of marriage, until her death in 1985. He is survived by one daughter; Roberta Twombly of Exeter, New Hampshire, one son and one daughter-in-law; Wayne and his wife Barbara Belair of Amesbury, five grandchildren; Carolyn and Twombly and Catherine MacDonald both of Exeter, New Hampshire, Eric Twombly of Atlanta, Georgia, Adam Belair of Enfield, Connecticut and Christopher Belair of Amesbury and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Edith Boivin of Byfield.
Funeral services were private. Donations in Louis’ memory may be made to the national hospice, VistaCare, 690 Canton Street, Westwood, MA 02090.