Obituaries

Rheo J. Gagne Jr.

Rheo J. Gagne Jr., 75, of Chicopee, a retired maintainer in Central Receiving, died July 20 at the Holyoke Hospital.

He served the University for more than 12 and a half years before retiring in 1995.

With his brother, Robert, he owned and operated Gagne and sons, a gas station and an automobile repair and sales service in Chicopee until 1980.

An Army veteran of World War II, he attained the rank of corporal serving in the 8th Photo Technical Squadron Army Air Force Station 194. He later was a member of the American Legion Post 353 in Willimansett.

One of the founders and directors of the former Willimansett Merchants Association, he also served on the board of directors of the Willimansett Credit Union and as a director on the Gasoline Dealers Association of Western Massachusetts.

He leaves his wife of 54 years, the former Yvette Houle; a daughter, three sons, his mother, a brother, two sisters, nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, Western Mass. Office, 31 Capital Drive, West Springfield 01089.

Paul J. Pedruczny

Paul J. Pedruczny, 87, of Hadley, a retired janitor in Physical Plant, died July 27 in Holyoke Soldiers Home.

He served the University for 20 years before retiring in 1980.

An Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Olde Hadley American Legion Post 271 and the American Association of Retired Persons.

He leaves two brothers, John Yuski of Hadley and Leon of Northampton; three sisters, Bernice Lastkowski and Betty Trojanowski, both of Hadley, and Mary Lastkowski of Northamp-ton; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Building Fund, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke 01040.

Benjamin C. Crooker Jr.

Benjamin C. Crooker Jr., 78, of Amherst, a retired assistant professor of Astronomy, died Aug. 2 in Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.

He served the University for 40 years before retiring in 1987.

As a first lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he worked as a meteorologist.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Dorothy R. Crooker; two sons, four daughters, 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association and Referral Center, 720 Harrison Ave., Boston 02111 or the VNA/Hospice Alliance, 168 Industrial Dr., North-ampton 01060.