Emery A. Delongchamp,92, of 39 Clark St., died Wednesday, Sept. 17 at UMASS Memorial Belmont St., Worcester after a brief illness.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, Germaine E. (Buignet) Delongchamp, two sons Gerard E. Delongchamp and his wife Mary Lou of Auburn, and Philip R. Delongchamp of Spencer, his sister Jeanne Provencher of Spencer, three grandsons Daniel E. Delongchamp and his wife Therese of Worcester, Jon-Michael Delongchamp and his wife Rachelle of Holden and Timothy J. Delongchamp and his wife Bonnie of Blackstone, seven great grand children Hannah, Ryan, Luke, Josephine, Sarah, Lilah and Frances Delongchamp and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two brothers Norman and Edward Delongchamp.
Mr. Delongchamp began his long career by serving the Town of Spencer and the Commonwealth of Mass. for 43 consecutive years in the field of Public Welfare, beginning in 1946 with the local Welfare Board in Spencer and then in 1948 by becoming the full time director. In 1974, he transfered to Southbridge and became its director overseeing 15 communities, until his retirement in 1982.
He was elected a Spencer Police Officer in 1939 and became the first to attend and graduate from the Police Training Academy.
During WWII, Emery served in the US Army as a Tech. Sergeant in the Military Police. While serving in Europe, he was individually cited by the War Minister of France and awarded the "Croix de Guerre" with a Bronze Star, for meritorious services rendered in the course of operations in the liberation of France.
He was a founding member and past Chairman of the David Prouty Permanent Scholarship Fund. Served 34 years on the Spencer District Nurse Assoc., and as Director and Assistant Treasurer. He was a co founder and former Director, Treasurer and present Corporator of the Spencer Rescue Squad. In 1954, he began the Toys for Tots program in Spencer and served as its Director until 1974.
He was a former Corporator of Spencer Savings Bank. Along with his wife Germaine, they once owned and operated an insurance and real estate agency for many years.
He was a member and Past Commander, and Chaplain of the Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 American Legion in Spencer, and member of the 40/8 Voiture #1113, the Worcester Chapter #4, Disabled American Veterans and a life member of the Knights of Columbus #118 in Spencer, and a life member of the Bishop O'Reilly Assembly of Worcester. He was a member of the Retired State, County & Municipal Employees Union of Mass, AARP (Spencer Chapt.), and a life member of the Spencer Fish & Game Club. He was a member and past President of the Harmony Club of Worcester.
In 1973, the Assumption College Alumni Association awarded him an Honorary Membership for his unselfish service to the college. He was a member of its French Institute.
For years he was very active in St. Mary's Parish, serving and chairing several committees and as a lector for many years. He was a member of its Sacred Heart League.
Born in Spencer, he was the son of Anthime A. and Aurore (Gagnon) Delongchamp and lived here all of his life.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20 from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial will follow in Mary,Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer. Calling hours are Friday, Sept. 19 from 4 to 7p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Spencer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 147, Spencer, Ma.01562.