From left: City Council President Ralph J. Figy, State Representative John C. Velis, Veteran’s Services Director Julie Barnes, newly appointed Graves Officer Gene Theroux, Mayor Brian Sullivan, and City Councilor Cindy C. Harris standing by the headstone of Franklin Brass. (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD- Mayor Brian P. Sullivan appointed Gene Theroux as the city’s first ever graves officer Wednesday afternoon at Pine Hill Cemetery.
The appointment comes after Sullivan and Veteran’s Services Director Julie Barnes discovered a section of Massachusetts General Law requiring a city to have a graves officer. The officer is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and restoration of all the graves in the eight cemeteries in Westfield.
Sullivan and Barnes said that Theroux was the easy choice because he is already known for volunteering his time to clean cemeteries and headstones in the area.
“She [Barnes] suggested that we have one, and that it be Gene Theroux who has already been doing the duties of care of graves, especially when it comes to the veterans.” Said Sullivan, “There are some sites that need a lot of work. There are a lot of old gravesites in the cities.”
Theroux is the past commander of American Legion Post 124, located on Broad Street. He frequently hosts grave cleaning events in the cemeteries in Westfield and the nearby area. Theroux is also somewhat of a history buff, having documented, in great detail, his own family history using records from the cemeteries.
“I want to thank Mayor Sullivan for the help and support he has provided over the years,” said Theroux, “Without the support and leadership from the mayor, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Theroux spoke while standing in front of the grave of Franklin Brass, his fourth Great Grand Uncle. He said that many members of the Brass family had served in some of the 19th and early 20th century U.S. conflicts including the American Civil War and the Spanish American War.
“The last time I was here with Julie, I repaired a Civil War headstone. So, in addition to knowing how to clean them really well and preserve them, I know how to repair them.” Said Theroux.
Theroux (far left) briefly explains the history of another generation of the Brass family, whose family headstones can be seen here. (Photo by Peter Currier)
Theroux also took the time to thank state Rep. John C. Velis for his support as well, saying that he has been an advocate for headstone maintenance and a supporter of the American Legion’s Americanism programs for youth.
He then gave thanks to City Councilor Cindy C. Harris for her support in the efforts of grave maintenance. Harris is a Gold Star daughter, as her father was a casualty in the Korean War.
“I would like to say thank you to Gene for stepping up and showing an example of the quality of people who volunteer or work on various boards and commissions for the City of Westfield,” said Figy.
Theroux also made a point to thank Dale Dickson, the superintendent of Pine Hill Cemetery, for her support with the grave cleaning efforts.
“I have nothing but respect and admiration for Dale and her late husband Ted. Pine Hill is a very special place to me, as it happens to be the residing place of so many of my ancestors such as Brass, Hadley, Sackett, Weller and extended family members. Dale has provided me the flexibility to be a good steward of the cemetery and has become a good friend as well.” Said Theroux.
Gene Theroux is seen spraying the D2 biological solution on one of the gravestones at the Southwick Old Cemetery in 2018. Theroux frequently cleans headstones using this solution.(WN File Photo)
Theroux has said that one of his main goals is to preserve the history of Westfield and of those interred in the eight cemeteries in the city.
“I’m quite appreciative of this opportunity to expand my opportunities to preserve the rich history, legacy of so many former residents of the great city of Westfield. Without a doubt, the conservation and preservation of veteran’s gravesites will be my primary focus. With the help of Friends groups such as the Friends of Pine Hill Cemetery and others we will have the opportunity for preservation efforts of notable citizens as well.” Said Theroux.
He added that he has plans to visit each of Westfield’s cemeteries to gauge the conditions of the graves of civilians and veterans alike. Theroux’s new appointment carries a five year term.
Peter Currier can be reached at [email protected].
