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Holyoke-Joseph “Leo” Desmarais Sr., son of the late Jean B. and Jessie (Fortin) Desmarais; passed away in his sleep at home with his wife of 50+ years, Barbara J (Lavoie) Desmarais, at his side on January 7, 2021.  He was pre-deceased by his brother Paul who is survived by his wife Dorothy “Dot” (Paquette) Desmarais. Joseph is also survived by his children, Joseph Jr. and his wife Renee of Belchertown, MA, Janice, and her partner Kevin of Agawam, MA, Cherie (Desmarais) Jillson and husband Wesley and sister Crysti Jillson of Chicopee, MA, Christine and partner Shane. of Easthampton, MA.
He leaves behind his brother- in-law, Richard “Dick” Lavoie and wife Pauline (St. Armand) of Myrtle Beach, SC; his sisters-in-laws, the late Donna M. (Lavoie) Sorensen and her husband Steven of Myrtle Beach, SC, Suzanne “Sue” (Lavoie) Zagorites and her husband Jim of Chelmsford, MA, and Betty A. Lavoie of Nashua, NH.  
He will be missed by his grandchildren Jessie “Damian” Jillson, Melissa “Missy” (Jillson) Lavalley, husband Michael and their children Ava, Michael, Miles and Arianna, Ryan Delp and girlfriend Baeleigh, Aaron M. Delp, Carl Delp III and girlfriend Heather, along with his son Charlie, Danyelle Foster and partner Caitlynn.
As a young boy, known as Leo, he was involved in music and dance, performing for the Gold Star Wives from WWII and many other people as “Mr. Rhythm” before becoming a ballroom dance instructor. At the age of 17 he enlisted into active duty for the United States Navy during The Vietnam War, where he formally was known as Joseph. He continued to serve his country after his honorable discharge from the Navy working in the maintenance and laundry departments of the VAMC of Bedford, MA, until 1978 when he became a laundry foreman for the VAMC in Leeds MA. He relocated with his family to Northampton MA where he remained until just before his retirement in 1995 when he moved to Holyoke MA.  The last year of his life, he resided at the Wellington in Springfield MA where he was known as the “Music Man”.
In 1971 his love of music led him to begin a part time Disc Jockey business under the name “JD”, from which he entertained numerous crowds at private parties and events. The business continued to thrive and eventually Joe was joined by his son Joe Jr. and changed the business name to “JD and Son”.
Through the years he volunteered his time with numerous activities/organizations such as travelling to Lowell to DJ the birthday of the United States Marines with his Uncle Butch, being a member of the American Legion and Guild of Sacred Heart, operating and calling Bingo for St Mary’s Church in Northampton, MA, as well as coaching for the Special Olympics. He was grateful when the Desmarais family was inducted into the Special Olympics MA Hall of fame for their volunteer work in 2005.
In his spare time, he loved to watch movies and listen to music.  He also enjoyed playing cards with all his poker buddies.
He will be lovingly remembered as Leo, Little Leo, Bumpa, Gramps, Grandpa, Papa Joe, Pops, Dad, Papa D, Uncle Leo, Joe, Joseph to his many nieces, nephews, godchildren, “honorary” daughters (who he lovingly called his little sweethearts) and sons.
In lieu of flowers, please perform charitable deeds or make donations to the charity of your choice in his honor.
A Mass will be celebrated on March 5, 2021 at 11am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA followed by a private ceremony at the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery chapel in Agawam, MA.   The Mass can be virtually viewed and is available for 90 days https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/444938687 and the cemetery will be posted later in the afternoon https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/202397697.  Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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Joseph Desmarais Obituary | Altogether