Albert E. Beauchemin

Mr. Albert Elie Beauchemin, 84, of 1 Berkshire Square, Adams, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 18, 2007. Mr. Beauchemin was born November 25, 1923 in Adams where he was a life-long resident. He was the son of Albert X. and Albertine (Brodeur) Beauchemin. He graduated from the former Adams High School in 1942 and served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1945. During World War II Mr. Beauchemin served as a combat gunner on a B-24. He was a staff sergeant with the 740th Bomb Squadron of the 455th Bomber Group, 15th Air Force and flew several missions. On his 25th mission, his crew was shot down over Hungary while bombing oil refineries. He was captured by the Germans and was a Prisoner of War for approximately two months until the prison camp was liberated by U.S. Forces. He was awarded various medals including the Purple Heart and the Air Medal and was honorably discharged in October 1945. Mr. Beauchemin was employed at the Park Street Drug Store in Adams for over 25 years and then worked at Nassif's Pharmacy in North Adams for more than ten years until his retirement. He was actively involved in Church and civic activities including a long affiliation with Adams junior/pee-wee football league as an officer, coach and official. He was instrumental in establishing a training program for new league referees. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Dolores Mary Strona, whom he married on October 7, 1946; 1 Son - Bruce Beauchemin and his wife Michaele of Brewster, MA; 1 Daughter - Darlene Zelazo and her husband Frank of Tolland, CT; 3 Grandchildren - Colin Beauchemin, Kelsey Williams, and Dylan Zelazo; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Jeannette Ford of North Adams and his brother Richard Beauchemin of Adams. His brother Bernard Beauchemin of Adams passed away earlier this year. The funeral will be celebrated on Saturday June 21, at 11:00AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, MA 01220, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon, in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams, with Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor of the Catholic Parishes of Adams, celebrating. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Friday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire through the funeral home.

Albert E. Beauchemin

November 25, 1923 - June 18, 2008