William A. Deslippe Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

SOUTH HADLEY - William A. Deslippe, 75, passed away on January 4, 2013 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born in Springfield, MA on January 29, 1937 a son of the late Henry and Lena (Dupre) Deslippe. William was raised in Holyoke and was a 1955 graduate of Holyoke High School where he excelled at swimming, football and baseball. He had the opportunity to try out for the Chicago Cubs as a catcher as a young man. William enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and also served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed off the coast of Massachusetts on the early detection tower �Texas� serving honorably until his discharge in 1960. William was a tandem trailer driver for United Parcel Services for over 22 years and was a member of the Teamsters Local # 404. He logged over a million miles and received numerous awards for safe driving retiring in 1986. He married Theresa J. Dugre on June 6, 1959 and the couple recently celebrated over 53 years together. The couple also operated T & B Ceramics in South Hadley for several years. William was an avid hobbyist and enjoyed collecting Corvettes, photography, horses and sports memorabilia. He had a thirst for knowledge, attaining his pilots� license, learning various trades and was able to master many of them. In addition to his beloved wife, William is survived by his son, Bill Deslippe and his wife Donna of Granby; two daughters, Deb Barnes of Granby; Sandie Deslippe of Enfield; a sister, Barbara Chatel of Holyoke; 6 grandchildren, Adria Barnes, Nathan Barnes, Heather Deslippe, Dale Deslippe and his wife Chrissy, Emilia Deslippe, Alora Barnes; 3 great grandchildren, Dylan and Zakary Barnes and Haylee Mae Barnes. Visiting hours will be held on (TODAY) Monday January 7, 2013 from 5-8 PM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. A funeral home service will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 10AM and be followed by the burial with military honors in West Street Cemetery, Granby.

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William A. Deslippe

January 29, 1937 - January 4, 2013