Obituary of Arthur O. Auclair Sr.
Arthur O. "Gallagher" Auclair, Sr., 90, of Liberty Highway, Putnam and Hobe Sound, Fl. passed away on May 11, 2008 at Lanessa Extended Care in Webster, Ma. Arthur was born in Putnam on December 23, 1917 and was one of seven children born to Albert and Flora (Auger) Auclair.
At a very young age he was given the nickname of Gallagher and this has stayed with him throughout his life. He married Theresa F. Martineau at St. Mary's Church on April 13, 1940.
In addition to his loving wife of 68 years he is survived by four children: Arthur, Jr. and his wife Marie of Putnam, Theresa and Martin Defocy, Jr. of Hobe Sound, Fl, Alice and David Belden of Woodstock and Anita and Norman Therrien of No. Grosvenordale. Arthur and Theresa have been blessed with nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. A great grand daughter predeceased him.
Gallagher served in the National Guard in the late 30's and in his youth he was active in local sports where he played baseball and football. Gallagher enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as working in his yard and gardening. His greatest passion was raising and racing homing pigeons. He competed with other lofts in the area and belonged to homing pigeon clubs in Ct., Ma, and RI. After his retirement from Connecticut Carpenters Union he spent his winters in Hobe Sound, Fl where he could be found fishing off the beach, playing shuffle board, enjoying a good game of cards or just relaxing and enjoying life.
Funeral Service and burial were private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity or to the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 279 New Britain Road, Ste. 5, Kensington, CT 06037. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Putnam handled the arrangements. www.smithandwalkerfh.com
