Russell E. DesOrmeaux, 85, a lifelong resident of Haverhill, passed away Sunday May 3, at Penacook Place Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family after an eight-month period of declining health.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late, Paul G. and Catherine I. (McCarron) DesOrmeaux. He attended Haverhill Public Schools. DesOrmeaux was employed by the City of Haverhill, working in the Haverhill Highway Department for 37 years, retiring in 1987. He was also the caretaker of the Walnut Cemetery for 30 years retiring in 2000. During his retirement he kept busy as a crossing guard for the Haverhill School System.
DesOrmeaux was known for his great sense of humor and enjoyed socializing around town. He loved making the rounds, visiting with friends and always in the know about happenings in the city.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha B. (Pelletier) DesOrmeaux; three sons, Russell E. DesOrmeaux Jr., of Big Pine Key, Fla., Peter A. DesOrmeaux and his wife Tracy, of Haverhill, and Paul F. DesOrmeaux, of New York City; two daughters, Deborah A. Hammer, of Haverhill, and Teresa E. DesOrmeaux-Brewster and her husband James Brewster, of Big Pine Key, Fla.; five grandchildren, Sterling A. Hammer Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, Matthew DesOrmeaux, Daniel DesOrmeaux and his wife, Josephine, Amy DesOrmeaux, and Taylor DesOrmeaux; four great grandchildren, Atom, Zero, Lily and Paul DesOrmeaux. He also leaves a sister in law, Edith DesOrmeaux, of Midway, Tenn., a brother-in-law, Joseph Donohue, of Tarpin Springs, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie Donohue, and brothers, John, Arnold, and Raymond DesOrmeaux.
Funeral services for DesOrmeaux are private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home 486 main St. Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley at www.armv.org.