Lester J. Chelotti, 91, of 309 W. Central Street, died Monday, April 23, 2007, at the Medway Country Manor Nursing Home, following a long illness. He was the husband of 60 years to Louise (Pretto) Chelotti.
Born in Franklin, May 8, 1915, a son of the late William and Maria (Galgani) Chelotti, he was a lifelong town resident. Educated in local schools, he was a 1933 graduate of Franklin High School.
Until his retirement many years ago, he worked as a postal worker at the US Post Office in downtown Franklin. Prior to his employment there, he worked at the Clark Cutler-McDermott Co. in Franklin as a textile handler.
During World War II he served in the US Army. Entering the service before Pearl Harbor, he was stationed in the Atlantic and European theater. He attained the rank of Tec/5 a,d participated in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and throughout Central Europe. He was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the WW II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in November 1945 after more than 4 ½ years of service.
He was a life member of Franklin Post #3402 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and for more than 50 years marched in the annual Memorial Day parade. He was also a member of the Franklin Senior Citizens, The American Assoc. of Retired Persons, and was a lifetime communicant of St. Mary’s Church.
He enjoyed travel, including travel around the world, and until several years ago, he and his wife were longtime winter residence of Ft. Meyers, Florida.
Surviving in addition to his wife is his nephew Thomas H. Roy, Jr. and his wife Deb of Franklin.
He was also the brother of the late Henry J. Chelotti, and Fred J. Chelotti.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass Monday, April 30, 2007, at 9:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin. Burial with military honors will follow in the parish cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
Donations in his memory sent to the above named church would be appreciated.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, Franklin www.franklinfuneral.com.