Arthur “Artie” J. Deshaies 80, of Portsmouth, NH passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017 at Edgewood Centre, Portsmouth NH.
Artie was born in Lawrence, MA to Arthur and Alice Deshaies on October 30, 1936. He attended schools in Lawrence and married Rosalie (LaScola) Deshaies on April 17, 1960. He served in the U.S. Army, was a Lawrence patrolman for over thirty-two years, and served as President of the Massachusetts Police Association for several years.
He is survived by his daughters, Donna Coleman and husband Calvin Coleman, Jr. of Sandown, NH and Dyann Kopp and husband Shawn Kopp of Danville, NH; his son Jeffrey Deshaies and wife Vilma of Virginia Beach, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Jackie Gucciardi and husband Gus Gucciardi of Salem, NH; his brother, Thomas Deshaies of Haverhill; several grandchildren, Talana and husband Jonathan of PA, Kristi-Lyn of NH, Danielle of NC, Joel of PA, Dominic of NC, JT of VA, Calvin of MA; and four great-grandchildren, Autumn Rose, Ava, J.J., and Christian.
Artie loved being a part of the Edgewood Centre family and took pride in being labeled “The Mayor.” In warmer weather, Artie would often be seen in the parking lot soaking up the sun, greeting many of the residents’ family members, and always saying hello to those who crossed his path.
An intimate burial service will be held at Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence, MA on Thursday, June 29th at 10:00 am.
There will also be a “Celebration of Life” later that afternoon held at Edgewood Centre, Portsmouth, NH at 2:00 pm. Please feel free to wear bright colors as we are not mourning his death, but rather celebrating his life.
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Edgewood Centre Recreation Fund, 928 South St., Portsmouth, NH 03801.
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