RUSSELL– George F. Deacon, 91, of Russell died Thursday June 11, 2015 at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke. He was born in Springfield, MA on May, 2 1924 to Walter E. and Martha G. (Gardner) Deacon and lived in Russell for most of his life. George was a graduate of Westfield High School, attended Williams College and was a US Naval Pilot during WWII. George was employed as a millwright for Westfield River Paper Company, retiring in 1989. Prior to Westfield River he was employed at Wico Electric in the same capacity. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Westfield, Huntington Federal Lodge AF&AM in Russell and was a volunteer Firefighter in Russell. George leaves his beloved wife of sixty-four years, Joan M. (Slater) Deacon and his dear children, Mark E. Deacon of Westfield, John F. Deacon and his wife Susan (Davis) of Becket, Diane D. James and her husband H. Lee James of Anaheim, CA. George also leaves, six much loved grandchildren Matthew E., and his wife Amy (Banning), Kristina I. and Jennifer M. Deacon, Jamie L. Thompson, and her husband David of Vermont and Kathleen M. and Whitney L. James of California and one very special great- grandson, Ryan E. Deacon. George was predeceased by a brother Walter E. Deacon and two sisters, Carol S. Worden and Roberta D. Markey. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. A memorial Service will be held Saturday June 27, 2015 in the First Congregational Church in Westfield at 10 AM with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be private. Calling hours are omitted. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085 or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. www. firtionadams.com
