John Dehais

John Joseph (Jack) Dehais, 82, of Worcester passed away peacefully on October 13 at the Odd Fellows Home, after an illness - surrounded by his loving family. Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary A. (Perrone) Dehais, a daughter, Mary Ann (Dehais) Jennette of New Braintree, two sons, John M. Dehais and his wife Mary of Windsor, CT, and Steve J. Dehais of Philadelphia, PA. He also leaves a brother, Richard E. Dehais and his wife Eileen of Wappingers Falls, NY; a sister, Eleanor G. (Dehais) Ufnal of Gardner; and three grandchildren, Thomas Jennette Jr., Ann-Marie Jennette, and Samantha Grace Dehais. In addition, Jack leaves his wife's siblings, Albert Perrone, Frances Perrone, and Ida Marie Perrone, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Jack was born in Oxford to Alcide and Helen (King) Dehais. After attending South High School for two years, Jack graduated in 1949 from Worcester Boys' Trade High School, with an emphasis in Mechanical Drawing. He also attended Worcester Junior College. Jack worked as a Draftsman at Morgan Construction Company, Reed Prentice, Raytheon, and in the Engineering Department at Heald Machine Company (now called Cincinnati Milacron, Inc.), as a Machine Designer for more than 28 years until his retirement. A lifetime Catholic, Jack was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church of Worcester for most of his adult years. He was very active with his sons during Boy Scouts and Little League. Jack also spent 20 years in the Air National Guard Reserve, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Over the years, his interests were many: Jack played banjo, piano, and organ; was a FCC licensed Ham Radio operator (in programs such as the ARRL, CMARA, and MARS); rebuilt and renovated two single-prop airplanes. As a FAA licensed pilot, he enjoyed travelling to air shows in different states. He was active in a variety of sports teams such as Men's Senior Softball and during his later years, he joined the Greendale Retired Men's Club. Jack was a faithful provider and presence for his wife and children for almost six decades. In many ways, he prepared his kids for adulthood. Jack was known for his warm bear hugs and keen sense of humor. He was a fun-loving Gramps to his grandchildren. Jack will be dearly missed by his beloved family and friends. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Odd Fellows Nursing Home staff and the Jewish Home Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Jack's Funeral will be held Monday October 17th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME, 370 Plantation St with a Mass at 11:30 am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 35 Fales St. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. A period of calling hours at the funeral home will be from 9:30 to 11:00 am Monday prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran's Association of Central Massachusetts, 60 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01608.