WEBSTER – Robert J. Decelles, Sr., 75, of Webster, died Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at home.
He leaves a son, Robert J. Decelles, Jr. of Webster; 2 grandchildren, Sarah and Troy Decelles; a brother, Philippe C. Decelles and his wife Theresa of Webster; a sister, Doris H. Hulburt of Charlton; nephews and nieces.
He was born in Webster, a son of Charles J. and Gertrude (Remillard) Decelles and lived here all his life. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1953.
He served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961 as an air operations specialist sergeant with overseas service in Iceland.
Mr. Decelles first worked as an industrial engineer at Pratt Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford for 12 years. He was then an industrial and manufacturing engineer with Kaman Aerospace Corp. for 13 years. He was currently a cashier at Price Chopper in Webster, where he worked since 1996.
He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and a life member of its League of the Sacred Heart. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1957, and held an honorary life membership in Webster Council #228. He belonged to the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Bishop John Wright Assembly #1924 in Worcester.
He spent many years involved in scouting: he was the scoutmaster of Troop 170 at St. Louis Parish for 25 years, a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 47 years, and the recipient of the St. George Award from Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan in 1966, honoring his contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the Boy Scouts of America.
He was devoted to his church, his community and his family. In recent years, he enjoyed being Santa Claus, especially for his grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Saturday, September 4, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main St., with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street.
His lifelong friend, Msgr. Richard E. Collette of Shrewsbury, will be the homilist. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, September 3, at the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to St. Anne Elementary School Tuition Aid Program, 12 Day St., PO Box 818, Webster, MA 01570-0818.