Joseph "Leo" Desmarais Sr.
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Joseph "Leo" Desmarais Sr., son of the late Jean B. and Jessie (Fortin) Desmarais; passed away in his sleep at home with his wife of 50+ years, Barbara J (Lavoie) Desmarais, at his side on January 7, 2021. He was pre-deceased by his brother Paul who is survived by his wife Dorothy "Dot" (Paquette) Desmarais. Joseph is also survived by his children, Joseph Jr. and his wife Renee of Belchertown, MA, Janice, and her partner Kevin of Agawam, MA, Cherie (Desmarais) Jillson and husband Wesley and sister Crysti Jillson of Chicopee, MA, Christine and partner Shane. of Easthampton, MA.
He leaves behind his brother- in-law, Richard "Dick" Lavoie and wife Pauline (St. Armand) of Myrtle Beach, SC; his sisters-in-laws, the late Donna M. (Lavoie) Sorensen and her husband Steven of Myrtle Beach, SC, Suzanne "Sue" (Lavoie) Zagorites and her husband Jim of Chelmsford, MA, and Betty A. Lavoie of Nashua, NH.
He will be missed by his grandchildren Jessie "Damian" Jillson, Melissa "Missy" (Jillson) Lavalley, husband Michael and their children Ava, Michael, Miles and Arianna, Ryan Delp and girlfriend Baeleigh, Aaron M. Delp, Carl Delp III and girlfriend Heather, along with his son Charlie, Danyelle Foster and partner Caitlynn.
Born in Lowell MA, where he was known as "Mr. Rhythm" and later "JD the Disc Jockey". A US Navy Vietnam Veteran, he was employed by the VA system transferring from Bedford to Leeds MA in 1978. In 1981 he became known as JD and Son when son Joe joined him as a Disc Jockey. He lived in Northampton, MA until moving to Holyoke in 1994. About a year ago he relocated to Wellington Gardens in Springfield where he was known as the man with the Dinner Music and sing-along songs.
Through the years he volunteered his time with numerous activities/organizations. including calling Bingo for St Mary's Church in Northampton, MA, as well as coaching for the Special Olympics.
In his spare time, he loved to watch movies and listen to music. He also enjoyed playing cards with all his poker buddies.
In lieu of flowers, please perform charitable deeds or make donations to the charity of your choice in his honor.
A Mass will be celebrated on March 5, 2021 at 11am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA followed by a private ceremony at the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery chapel in Agawam, MA. The Mass can be virtually viewed and is available for 90 days https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/444938687
and the cemetery will be posted later in the afternoon https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/202397697. Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.beersandstory.com