Leroy E. Willett, 88, of Inwood Road, died on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 in the Blaire House of Worcester after an illness.

    His wife of 61 years, Elsie L. (Rondeau) Willett, died in 2004. He leaves a son, Donald L. Willett and his wife Linda of Rutland; two daughters, Susan C. Fahlbeck and her husband Robert of North Grafton and Judith A. Collette and her husband Roger of Millbury; a sister, Gloria Caloiaro of Rutland; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.

    Leroy was born in Worcester, the son of Ernest L. and Florence A. (Ryder) Willett, lived most of his life in Rutland, and was a graduate of Holden High School. He served as a sergeant with the 331st Army Air Force during World War II participating in the air offensive in Europe where he was awarded seven battle stars for his efforts in the Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes and European campaigns. He was a former member of the Harold N. Keith American Legion Post 204 in West Boylston.

    For many years, he was a machine operator at Reed & Prince Manufacturing Co. Previously he worked for Reed Rolled Thread Die Co. in Holden for many years and McCarthy Bus Co. in Rutland and Laidlaw Bus Co. in Worcester, retiring in 2004, where he was a member of the Teamsters Local 170 Union in Millbury. He was an accomplished musician and enjoyed playing the banjo, organ and guitar, and was a member of the musicians' union. An avid sports enthusiast, he especially loved football.

    Leroy's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Blaire House and Jewish Home Hospice for their care and compassion.

    Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, followed by a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, 258 Main St., Rutland. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.