Obituary: Robert Desforges, Retired Painter

Robert A. Desforges, 97, of Ware, a retired painter in the Physical Plant, died Dec. 26.

Born in Ware on Aug. 12, 1921, he was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He served with the First Marine Division and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action.

He joined UMass Amherst in 1967 and worked as painter in the Physical Plant until retiring in 1986.

He was predeceased by his wife of more than 70 years, Gloria R. Desforges, in 2017. He leaves a daughter, Beverly Desforges of Southbridge; a brother, Alfred Desforges, and his companion, Ruth Kinell, of Brookfield; and a sister-in-law, Jean Mongeau of Ware.