Henry J. Hachey

ATHOL - Henry J. Hachey, 90, of Athol, MA passed away on April 12, 2007 at Athol Memorial Hospital, after a short period of ailing health. He leaves his wife of 69 years, Leah (Adams) Hachey; and three children, Elaine Lajoie of Fitzwilliam, NH; Wayne Hachey of New Salem, MA; and Raymond Hachey of Athol, MA. He also leaves three sisters, Amelia Tatelman of Florida; Jean Russell of Seattle WA; and Teresa Dill of Athol, MA. His brother, Joseph E. Hachey, of Athol, MA preceded him in death in 2005. Other beloved family members include 10 grandchildren: Michael Lajoie of Royalston, MA; Jeffrey Lajoie of Athol, MA; Kathleen Brow of Gardner, MA; Deborah Lehtinen of Athol, MA; Lisa Thompson of Fitzwilliam, NH; Wendy Shewalter of Honolulu, HI; Leanne Hachey of Kaneohe, HI; Amanda Wright of Gill, MA; Angela Hachey of Athol, MA and Austin Hachey of New Salem, MA. He also leaves behind 16 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews Mr. Hachey was born in Athol in 1916, and lived in the Athol / Royalston area his entire life. He served in the US armed forces in the National Guard from 1935 - 1939. In 1937 he was married to Leah Adams. After his service in the National Guard he was employed at Athol Table until his second call of duty in the US Army Air Force where he served as a Sergeant and Flight Maintenance Gunner from 1942 - 1945. He was a decorated WWII veteran who served heroically with honors including an EAME Theater Service Ribbon with three bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and the Air Medal. He was disabled in combat, and honorably discharged, on his last flight mission. He and two other crewmembers jumped from their plane to safety before a mid air explosion destroyed the vehicle. Mr. Hachey returned to civilian life after his discharge and worked at Starrett Tool Manufacturing Company until his retirement in 1978. He was known in town as an ardent fisherman and outdoorsman as well as a talented woodworker and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind loving family members, friends and neighbors who will cherish his memory. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Immaculate Church 192 School St., Athol. Private burial services will follow the funeral. No calling hours are scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund of Our Lady Immaculate Church 192 School St., Athol, MA 01331. The Fiske Funeral Home of Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });