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- [S5] Obituary.
Daily Hampshire Gazette (Northampton, MA) - Thursday, October 5, 2006
Deceased Name: Leo Alfred Gamache
NORTHAMPTON ? Leo Alfred Gamache, 79, died Sunday, Sept. 23, at his home in Florence.
He was born in Springfield on Aug. 24, 1927, the son of the late Alfred and Emma (Suprenant) Gamache. He was educated in and graduated from Holyoke schools. He was a manager with the former McCallum's in Northampton for many years prior to his retirement. Leo was a proud veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict, serving with the Coast Guard, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. He received numerous commendations throughout his career, including the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and the Korean Service Medal. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and a life member of the Michael F. Curtin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8006 in Florence, where he served as past vice president and as a member of the board of directors. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 236 in Haydenville, and was a past sergeant at arms.
Leo recently wrote an original musical march in honor of the Florence VFW Post, which was performed by the Florence Community Band at the Veterans Day Parade in Florence. The Michael F. Curtin Post 8006 is the only VFW Post in the country with its own original march, a dream that was finally realized for Leo.
He enjoyed gardening, playing cards, chess, old movies, music, painting and sketching with pen and ink.
Leo is survived by two stepsons, Peter Cushing of Florence and Brian Cushing of Sacramento, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Cathy Cushing of Manchester Center, Vt.; a granddaughter, Lindsay Cushing and her mother, Debbie Samwell, of Westfield; a dear friend, Beth Howland of Haydenville; Barbara and Edward Slanda of Leesburg, Fla., and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his wife of 31 years, Barbara (Slanda) Gamache.
Funeral services will be private, with burial at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. There are no calling hours.
Donations in Leo's memory may be made to the VNA/Hospice Alliance, P.O. Box 329, Northampton, 01061-0329. The Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with arrangements.
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