Armand J. Como

" Armand J. Como, 82, of The Arbours, died September 5, 2005 with his family by his side. Born in Chicopee, June 30, 1923 he was the son of the late George and Maria (Provost) Como. He moved to South Hadley in 1960 and lived there until 1978, relocating to Palm Bay, Fl and eventually returned to his native Chicopee in 1995. He was a proud Veteran of WWII serving in the Army Air Corp 305th Bomb Group H. He received many decorations and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters. Returning from the war he worked at the Springfield Armory for 18 years and at Westover as a Transit Attendant for 15 years retiring in 1978. He was a longtime communicant of St. Theresa’s Church in S. Hadley and a 10 year member of the Palm Bay Florida Lions Club. He enjoyed bowling, the beach and traveling. He was a square dance advisor, and also an instructor at Falls Driving School and a very active member in his retirement community in Florida. He was predeceased by his wife Claire (Rivest) Como in 2004. He will be sadly missed by his five children, William J. Como of Gilbert, S. Carolina, James L. Como and Joan M. Wojnarowski both of South Hadley, Edward A. Como of Chicopee and Linda C. Huard of Chicopee, along with his eight precious grandchildren and his two great grandchildren. He also leaves his brother Leo of Chicopee. He was predeceased by his two brothers Arthur and George. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday at 7:00 p.m. in the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St, (Rte 116). Calling hours are Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Donations may be made in his memory to Holyoke Medical Center, Campaign for Life Fund, 10 Hospital Dr., Holyoke, Ma 01040, Shriner’s Hospital 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or US Veterans Medical Center 421 N. Main St. Leeds, MA 01053. "