GARDNER - Dempsey Scanlan, 69, of Gardner died Monday, July 25, 2016 at home.
Mr. Scanlan was born August 10, 1946 in American Samoa, the son of the late Henry and the late Mauiu (Fetui) Scanlan.
He grew up in American Samoa and served in the U. S. Navy from 1974 to 1994. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Coast Guard Ribbon.
He was a resident of Gardner since 1996. He was very active in the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center. He loved spending time with his grandson, family barbecues, playing the guitar, and making people laugh. He was a loyal Oakland Raiders fan. He loved his family, was very proud of his service to our country and his Samoan heritage.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Catherine R. (Morando) Scanlan; two daughters, Lani Scanlan of Gardner, Dee Scanlan of Billerica; one son, Jimmy Scanlan of Franklin; three brothers, Henry Scanlan, Mike Scanlan, Tom Scanlan; one sister, Dorothy Matias; one grandson, Evan Scanlan and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 am on Monday, August 1, 2016 at Annunciation Parish/Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols St., Gardner. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.
Calling hours will be Sunday, July 31, 2016 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lamoureux-Fletcher & Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central St., Gardner, MA 01440.
To send online condolences please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.
Lamoureux-Fletcher & Smith Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.