Alfred E. Desrosiers, 92, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving daughter and devoted caretaker, Donmarie Desrosiers, July 16, 2010 in Saint Vincent Hospital ICU, after a very difficult three-month illness. His wife, the love of his life, Evelyn M. (Lancey) Desrosiers, passed away on April 15th.

    He leaves three children, his son, Kenneth E. Desrosiers of Marstons Mills, two daughters, Donmarie Desrosiers of Paxton with whom he lived, and Diane Ruderman and her husband Mark of Scottsdale, AZ. He also leaves three grandchildren, David Ruderman of Scottsdale, Andrew Desrosiers and Renee Desrosiers-Davis and her husband Peter, and a great-granddaughter, Amanda Davis, all of Marstons Mills. One of twelve children, Alfred is also survived by three sisters, Beatrice Laffond, Florida Mulholland and Jeanette McNeal, all of Orange, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Three brothers and five sisters predeceased him.

    Alfred was born in Orange, son of Napoleon and Julia (Therrien) Desrosiers on October 9, 1917. He was educated in Orange schools and after high school, joined the Army National Guard. During WWII, he joined the U.S. Army, 181st Armored Division, attaining the rank of Sergeant. While serving in the European African Middle Eastern Theatre, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of Normandy, and was wounded in action in Germany. He earned his Purple Heart, Silver Star, 5 Bronze Stars, good conduct medal, marksman rifle medal and other medals. Alfred loved his country, our Flag, was very patriotic and was active in Veterans causes. He was a former member of the VFW Post in Holden, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion Post 306 in Paxton.

    He was a sheet metal worker and welder at Cincinnati Milacron, formerly Heald Machine Co., retiring after 35 years. He then became a part-time campus police officer for Anna Maria College in Paxton for many years.

    Alfred was a wonderful, loving and involved husband and father who found joy in being close to his wife and children, involving them in many fun and enjoyable activities. He took his children fishing everywhere in his boat including Cape Cod, various lakes in the area and the Quabbin. This instilled a love of the great outdoors in his children, who are forever grateful. He and his family also loved visiting with his very large family in Orange and visiting other interesting northern and western MA locations. They rented a cottage in East Sandwich during summer vacations and upon retirement, brought their camping trailer for entire summers to Bourne Scenic Park.

    Alfred was very talented, always building different useful gadgets or figuring out a way to repair things that no one else could think of. He also made some of his own tools. He taught his children well, the joys of saving and investing and was a meticulous record keeper. He had a very sharp mind right up to the end, and had a very clever dry sense of humor. He would make up humorous and clever poems and songs and sing in French.

    Our wonderful Dad will be greatly missed and we are beyond heartbroken. However, he is now with his loving wife, to be together forever.

    Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 9:00-10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 23rd, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158, Main St., Holden, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Columba Church, Paxton. Burial will Military Honors will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. A gathering of family and friends will be held in the American Legion Post 306 in Paxton. Flowers may be sent or donations made to the Paxton Fire Dept., Ambulance Gift Account, 576 Pleasant St., Paxton, MA 01612; or to the Massachusetts Veterans' Shelter, Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.