WESTFIELD – Vernon Robert Hawley, 88, of Westfield and formerly a longtime Blandford resident, died Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Westfield Care and Rehabilitation Center. Born September 1, 1923 in Blandford, MA, Vernon was the son of the late William L. and Dorothy (Munson) Hawley.
He worked in the paving industry as a truck driver for 25 years and for 30 years he worked at Hawley’s Welding on RT 23. Vernon was an Army veteran of World War II where he served with the 36th Infantry Division.
He and his wife, Betty Marie (Duval) Hawley lived in Florida for 24 years during their retirement, returning to Westfield in 2004. They had been married for 64 years. Besides his wife, Vernon is survived by his son, John R. and his wife Lynn Hawley of Easthampton; his brother, Edwin and his wife Doris Hawley of Fenton, MO; his sister, Louise Wojick of Russell, MA; his sister-in-law, Aljitha MacDonald and her husband Raymond of Westfield; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Cusack Funeral Home, 94 Main Street, Westfield at 3:00 p.m. A calling hour will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Blandford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Pease and Gay Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with his care and arrangements.
