GLOUCESTER: Leland C. Digou, Jr., 82, died unexpectedly early Friday morning, August 17, 2007, in the Beverly Hospital. He was the husband of the late Matilda (Thome) Digou, who died in October of 2001.
Born in Gloucester on January 12, 1925, he was the son of the late Leland C. and Eunice (LaFrance) Digou. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, Lee left school at the age of 17 to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He was proud to receive his Gloucester High School diploma in 1976.
He served his country during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Sheridan in the Pacific Theatre and was honorably discharged at the rank of Machinist Mate Second Class in January of 1946.
He was employed by the City of Gloucester for nearly thirty years, having retired as the acting director of the Department of Public Works in 1978. He had also worked at the former Cape Ann Tool Company and Gorton’s of Gloucester.
Active in numerous organizations, he was a member and former Senior Vice Commander of the American Legion Post #98 of Rockport, a member and Past Commander of the Amvets Post #32, and a life-member of the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion, the Doucette-Linguard V.F.W. Post #1624 of Gloucester, the D.A.V. Chapter #74 of Gloucester and the Gloucester Lodge of Elks, #892. He was also a member of the Gloucester Fraternity Club.
He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl A. and Leroy C. Silva, Jr. of Rockport and Nancy M. and Jon C. Myslivy of Orange Park, FL, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, a sister, Irene McIntyre, a half-sister, Shirley, wife of Stephen Lake, three sisters-in-law, Ann Vadala, Hilda Amero, Lucille Digou, a brother-in-law, Onorato “Sonny” Galante, and many nieces and nephews. Among his many cousins, he leaves his dear cousins, Anne, wife of James Mills and Frank, husband of Shirley LaFrance and among his many friends, Charles Nickerson. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Adelaide Munroe and Shirley Galante and two brothers, Charles Digou and John James Digou.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday morning in the Seaside Cemetery, Lanesville at 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472. Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester.