Westfield – Rudolph C. Versailles, Jr., of Westfield passed away on December 7, 2018 after a brief illness.
Rudy was born June 16, 1938 in Leeds, MA to the late Rudolph C. Versailles, Sr. and the late Irene Gibson, née Lynch. A graduate of Northampton High School and Springfield Technical Community College, Rudy worked for years at Perstorp Compounds of Florence, MA where he held a variety of roles, ending his career as Safety Manager for the company.
Rudy is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy Versailles, née Andras, his only sister, Patti McKenzie of Sagle ID, and three brothers: Paul Versailles and his wife Barbara, of Las Vegas, NV, David Versailles of Lakewood, CA, and Michael Versailles of West Springfield, MA.
Rudy had three loving children, Mary Versailles of Washington, DC, Richard Versailles and spouse Diane Fiorentino of S. Yarmouth, MA and Susan Driscoll and spouse Timothy of Mansfield, MA.
The greatest joys of his life were his cherished grandchildren: Lauren Flamand and spouse Christopher of Southington, CT, Caitlin Versailles and her fiancé, Dr. Will Pickering, of Chestnut Hill, MA, Alysa and Jon Anderson of Littleton, MA and Trevor and Rachel Finney of Mansfield, MA. Rudy was blessed with one great-grandson, Rory Flamand. Lastly, Rudy is survived by his faithful collie Thane.
As a communicant of St. Peter and St. Casimir, he was active in the parish community, serving in various capacities and enjoying many aspects of parish life. A parish friend sent an email to the family in which he characterized Rudy as “a humble, quiet, patient, fair, classy, dedicated, and honest man.” Rudy was a lifelong model railroader and enjoyed the fraternity of his many acquaintances in the Amherst Railway Society. He served on the annual Railroad Hobby show committee and in particular enjoyed outings with his group of “train buddies.” Rudy was never far from one or more of his beloved collies and enjoyed long daily walks throughout the neighborhood where he socialized with neighbors and their dogs alike.
The family wishes to thank the staff and fellow residents of the Governor’s Center, the staff of Beacon Hospice, his many friends and extended family that spent time with him in his last days, and his neighbors for the years of friendship and fellowship.
Family, friends and neighbors are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at St. Peter and St. Casimir Catholic Church, 34 State Street, Westfield, MA on Saturday, Dec 15th at 10:00 am, burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Family, friends and neighbors are invited to gather after the burial at Roma Italian Restaurant, 561 College Highway, Southwick. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to:
Collie Rescue League of NE, P.O. Box 3689, Cranston, RI 02910-0689 http://www.collierescueleague.org/donate/
Or
Men of St. Joseph, St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish, 34 State Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Please visit www.forastiere.com to offer a personal note of condolence.
