Robert Victor Desmarais Sr., age 84, of Holyoke, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 28, 2021. He was born in Holyoke, a son of the late Emile and Emma (Pouliot) Desmarais and graduated from Holyoke Trade High School. Bob served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959. He worked for many years in maintenance for the Holyoke Housing Authority, retiring in 1997. He was a communicant of Saint Jerome Church, a life member of Knights of Columbus Fairview Council 4044, the Chicopee Tigers A.C., Chicopee Elks Lodge, and was an American Legion and VFW member. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 58 years, Mary E. “Polly” (Bilz) Desmarais; four children: Robert V. Desmarais Jr., Christine M. Lefebvre and husband Tim, Robin M. Elkins and husband Jim, and Douglas A. Desmarais and wife Kathy, all of Holyoke; ten grandchildren: Elizabeth, Emily, Jennifer, Nick, Jake, Maeghan, Kylie, Siobhan, Bill and Brendan; three great grandchildren: Jayden, Michaela, and Cue, (and two more on the way in Nov. and Dec.); two sisters-in-law Beatrice Desmarais and Judy Hensley; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by four brothers: Roger, Victor, Wilfred and Norman Desmarais. The Funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 3rd at 9:00 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Jerome Church, 169 Hampden Street at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in Smith’s Ferry Cemetery in Holyoke. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 2nd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Life Care, 575 Beech Street, Holyoke MA 01040.
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