Lionel G. Vermette

February 4, 1941 - February 7, 2012

CHICOPEE--Lionel G. “Lee” Vermette, 71, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Redstone Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with his loving family at his side. Born on February 4, 1941, son of the late Gerard and Bernadette (Asselin) Vermette, he has been a Chicopee resident for nearly forty years, and previously resided in Springfield. Lee was a graduate of Springfield Trade High School, Class of 1959, and played hockey on the school team. He was a US Navy veteran and served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. He was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Hope Church, Springfield, and previously of the former St. George Church, Chicopee. Lee was vice-president of manufacturing for the Hayden Corp., where he worked for over forty-eight years. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Council 69 of Chicopee, and belonged to the American Legion Post 275 of Chicopee Falls. An avid golfer and fisherman, he was a member of Holyoke CC and the former Oxford CC. He enjoyed watching sports on television, especially golf, football and baseball. Lee is survived by his beloved wife of forty-five years, Denise R. (Blais) Vermette; his loving daughter, Michelle M. Thebeault of Chicopee; his cherished granddaughter, Samantha Lee Thebeault; brother Denis Vermette of Chicopee; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph N. Vermette and sister, Yvonne Guillemette. He will be missed by his faithful companion, Pitou. Funeral services for Lee will be held Friday morning from the Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM in Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Blvd., Springfield. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. Calling hours are Friday morning from 9:30- 11 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Massachusetts, Inc., 393 Maple St., Springfield, MA 01105.