MILLINOCKET – Henry J. Deabay, 87, died at a local hospital on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Ashland on Jan. 16, 1916, the son of Michael and Melvina (Theriault) Deabay. Henry was a graduate of Ashland High School, Class of 1933, and in his early years did farm work, woods cutting and clerking jobs. He entered the U.S. Army to serve in World War II, serving as a battery clerk, a battery supply sergeant and a battalion supply sergeant. He was relieved from active duty with the rank of 1st lieutenant and joined the reserves on Feb. 20, 1946. After being honorably discharged from the military, he went to work for Great Northern Paper Co., working in several capacities including clerking, safety supervisor and safety director for Woodlands Department. He then worked as a wood buyer in Houlton for five years and returning again to Millinocket to work as personnel supervisor at Woodlands. Henry worked a total of 34 1/2 years for Great Northern Paper Co. retiring in 1980. He was a communicant of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, where he served on the Church Council and the Finance and Administration Commission. He also worked church beano for several years. Henry was a life member of Bernard Coro Post No. 22 DAV Medway, a Life Member of American Legion Post No. 80, and a member of VFW Post No. 4154. He was a Past Commander of American Legion Post No. 80, where he served as finance officer for several years. He served as a Past County Commander (Legion) for Aroostook County and a Past District Commander. He also did volunteer income tax work for the elderly for many years, was a volunteer for beano at the American Legion, and was a member of AARP. Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Yvette (Russell) Deabay of Millinocket; four children, James Deabay, Robert and wife, Rose Deabay, Donna and husband, Eldon Doody, and Gail and husband, Michael, all of Millinocket; 10 grandchildren, Andrew and his fianc_e, Renee Dubois, Allison and her fianc_, Donovan Reed, Andrea and Aaron Doody, Rashell, Travis and Monica Deabay, Beth, Paul and Mark Rucci; one great-grandson, Justin; two sisters, Gertrude Berry of Presque Isle, Marie Flanders of Corinna; four brothers, Arthur Dubay of Sterling, Conn., Freeman Deabay of Ashland, Omer Deabay of Bristol, Conn., and Allen Deabay of Frankfort; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at R. L. Bouchard Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, where members of the American Legion will conduct a memorial service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2004, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Spring burial with Military Honors will be in Millinocket Cemetery. If friends wish, donations in Henry’s memory may be made to the Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462.
HENRY J. DEABAY
